Meaning
This grammar pattern is used in spoken language to express that one should not have done something. It conveys the speaker's regret or remorse about something that has already happened.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Verb (dictionary form) | んじゃなかった |
Examples
-
道に迷っちゃった。遊びのつもりで森の中を探検するんじゃなかった。
I got lost. I shouldn't have gone exploring in the forest just for fun. -
給料日までお金が足りないなあ…。無駄遣いするんじゃなかった。
I don't have enough money to last until payday... I shouldn't have wasted my money. -
昨日はついカッとなってしまって山田くんに怒鳴ってしまった。彼はやる気をなくししまっただろうなあ。あんなこと言うんじゃなかった。
Yesterday I lost my temper and ended up yelling at Yamada. He probably lost all motivation. I shouldn't have said those things.
Summary
- 「〜んじゃなかった」 means "I shouldn't have done...; I regret doing..."
- Attaches to verbs (dictionary form)
- Used in colloquial speech to express regret about a past action