Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Verb る の~ (Verb + ru + no~)

Verb る の~ (Verb + ru + no~)

Short explanation:

Used to express the purpose or reason for doing an action.

Formation:

Verb-る + の + expression

Examples:

買い物をするために、銀行でお金をおろすの。
Kaimono o suru tame ni, ginkou de okane o orosu no.
I will withdraw money from the bank to go shopping.
友達にプレゼントをあげるので、ケーキを焼くの。
Tomodachi ni purezento o ageru node, keeki o yaku no.
I will bake a cake because I want to give a present to my friend.
ダイエットを始めるので、ジムに入会するの。
Daietto o hajimeru node, jimu ni nyuukai suru no.
I will join a gym since I am starting a diet.
軽い食事がいいので、サラダを作るの。
Karui shokuji ga ii node, sarada o tsukuru no.
I will make a salad because I want a light meal.

Long explanation:

The る の~ grammar point is used to express the purpose or reason for doing an action. It is created by replacing the final る in the verb with の. It is often used with other expressions to provide more context about the purpose of the action.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Verb る の~ (Verb + ru + no~)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb る の~ (Verb + ru + no~)

Japanese Grammar Lesson: Verbるの~ (Verb Dictionary Form + の)


1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore how to nominalize verbs in Japanese using . Nominalization is the process of turning verbs into nouns, which allows them to function as subjects or objects in sentences. Understanding this grammar point will enhance your ability to express thoughts and actions more naturally in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The construction Verb Dictionary Form + の transforms a verb into a noun phrase. It's similar to adding "-ing" to a verb in English, turning "run" into "running."

Structure

Verb Dictionary Form + の
食べる (taberu)
行く (iku)
見る (miru)

Formation Diagram

  1. Take the verb in its dictionary (plain) form:
    • 食べる (taberu) - to eat
    • 読む (yomu) - to read
    • 書く (kaku) - to write
  2. Add の directly after the verb:
    • 食べる
    • 読む
    • 書く

Usage

  • Subject of a sentence: Verbのが好きです。("I like verb-ing.")
  • Object of a sentence: Verbのを忘れた。("I forgot to verb.")
  • Explanation or emphasis: Verbのです。("It's that I verb.")

3. Comparative Analysis

Verb Dictionary Form + こと vs. Verb Dictionary Form + の

Both こと and are used to nominalize verbs, but they have subtle differences. | | こと | | |-----------------|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Usage | Formal writing, general statements | Spoken language, personal feelings, observations | | Example | ピアノを弾くことが楽しい。
(Playing piano is fun.) | ピアノを弾くのが楽しい。
(Playing piano is fun.) |

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Expressing Likes/Dislikes (Informal)

  • Japanese: 映画を見るのが好きだ。
  • Romaji: Eiga o miru no ga suki da.
  • English: I like watching movies.

Example 2: Asking for Permission (Formal)

  • Japanese: ここで写真を撮るのは許可が必要です。
  • Romaji: Koko de shashin o toru no wa kyoka ga hitsuyō desu.
  • English: You need permission to take photos here.

Example 3: Explaining Reasons (Spoken)

  • Japanese: 遅れたのは電車が遅れたからです。
  • Romaji: Okureta no wa densha ga okureta kara desu.
  • English: The reason I'm late is that the train was delayed.

Example 4: Remembering to Do Something (Written)

  • Japanese: 忘れ物をしないように荷物を確認するのをおすすめします。
  • Romaji: Wasuremono o shinai yō ni nimotsu o kakunin suru no o osusume shimasu.
  • English: We recommend checking your belongings to avoid leaving anything behind.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

  • Using in place of こと can make the sentence feel more personal and direct, which is common in everyday conversation.
  • In formal writing or speeches, こと is often preferred over .

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 知るのが遅い (Shiru no ga osoi): "It's too late to know now." An expression used when information comes too late to be useful.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistake 1: Misusing の and こと

  • Error: 彼は走ることのが速い。
  • Correction: 彼は走るのが速い。
  • Tip: Use when expressing personal observations or feelings.

Common Mistake 2: Forgetting to Use the Dictionary Form

  • Error: 食べますのが好きです。
  • Correction: 食べるのが好きです。
  • Tip: Always use the verb's dictionary form before adding .

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of as "the act of" doing something.
  • Practice: Create sentences about your hobbies using Verbるのが好きです.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • Verb Dictionary Form + の nominalizes verbs, turning actions into noun phrases.
  • Use this structure to express preferences, explanations, and observations.
  • is more casual and conversational compared to こと.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you say "I don't like studying" using Verbるの?
    • Answer: 勉強するのが好きではありません。
  2. Which is more formal, or こと?
    • Answer: こと
  3. Correct the error: 見ますのが楽しい。
    • Answer: 見るのが楽しい。

Feel free to create your own sentences using Verbるの to express your thoughts and preferences!

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Disclaimer

Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


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