γγγ§γ
~n desu
It's that...
πΈ Explaining Reasons and Background πΈ
π¬ Dialogue
Kaoiro ga warui desu ne. Dou shita n desu ka.
You look pale. What's the matter?
Chotto atama ga itai n desu.
It's that I have a bit of a headache.
Kusuri wa nonda n desu ka.
Did you take some medicine?
Iie, mada nan desu. Kore kara byouin e iku n desu.
No, not yet. I'm going to the hospital now.
Sou nan desu ka. Odaiji ni.
I see. Take care of yourself.
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you very much.
π Vocabulary
5 wordsβ Key Sentence
V/Adj (Plain Form) n desu
It's that (explaining a situation).
- Pattern: γγγ§γ
- Meaning: Used to explain reasons, background, or seek clarification.
Kuruma ga koshou shita n desu.
It's that the car broke down.
Chiketto ga nai n desu.
The thing is, I don't have a ticket.
π Explanation
The expression γγγ§γ is used in spoken Japanese to provide an explanation, emphasize a reason, or provide background information for what was just said.
It is formed by adding n desu to the plain form of verbs and adjectives. For na-adjectives and nouns in the present tense, you must add na before n desu (e.g., suki-na-n-desu).
When used in a question (γγγ§γγ), it often implies that the speaker is asking for a reason based on something they observed.
Doushite okureta n desu ka?
= 'Why is it that you were late?'
Basu ga konakatta n desu.
= 'It's because the bus didn't come.'
π Quiz
Which sentence correctly explains the reason 'Because I have a headache' using the grammar from this lesson?