Meaning
ものだ has four main uses: (1) expressing general truths and common sense, (2) reminiscing about habitual past actions using た-form, (3) expressing surprise or strong emotions, and (4) expressing earnest desires or wishes. The formation varies slightly depending on word type but typically uses the plain form before ものだ.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词普通形 | ものだ |
| い形容词 | ものだ |
| な形容词 | な → ものだ |
Examples
-
日本の夏は暑いものだ。
Japanese summers are very hot. -
人に助けてもらった時は、お礼を言うものだ。
When someone helps you, you should say thank you. -
学校で先生に会ったら、挨拶するものだ。
If you meet a teacher at school, you should greet them. -
子どものころは田舎にある家の近くの川でよく遊んだものだ。
When I was a child, I often played near the river by my house in the countryside. -
小学生の時、宿題をやらないで、よく母に叱られたものだ。
In elementary school, I often got scolded by my mother for not doing my homework. -
学生時代に、よく友達とバスケットボールをしたものだ。今はバスケはまったくやっていないよ。
In my student days, I often played basketball with friends. But now I don't play basketball at all. -
A: 葵ちゃんは何歳になったの？ B: もう5歳になったよ。
A: How old is Aoi now? B: She's already five years old. -
A: ええ。時間が経つのは早いものだ。
A: Yes, time really does pass quickly. -
ええ！この生け花、上手なものですね。さすが先生です。
Wow! This flower arrangement is really excellent. You're truly a master. -
あの人は自分ができないくせに、よく他の人の文句を言うものだ。
That person can't do it himself, yet he's always complaining about others. -
どうにか私たちのプロジェクトを成功させたいものだ。
I'm determined to make our project a success somehow. -
今年のクリスマスはドイツへ旅行に行きたいものだ。
I really want to travel to Germany for Christmas this year. -
あの事件の犯人はまだ逃走中だ。本当に早く捕まえてほしいものだ。
The criminal in that incident is still on the run. I really hope they catch him soon.
Summary
- Use ものだ to state general truths and what is considered common sense or natural
- Use た-form + ものだ to nostalgically recall habitual or repeated past actions
- Use ものだ to express strong surprise, emotion, or emphasis about a fact
- Use with ~たい or ~てほしい to express strong wishes or earnest desires