Translation guide
The Japanese word こと (koto) is a nominalizer that turns verbs, adjectives, and clauses into noun phrases, often translating to 'thing', 'fact', 'event', or 'the act of'. It is essential for expressing abstract concepts, experiences, and general truths.
The learner wants to talk about an action or state as a noun (e.g., 'I like reading', 'It's important to study').
Attach こと to the plain form of a verb or adjective to nominalize it. This is the most common way to turn an action or state into a noun phrase.
日本語を勉強することは楽しいです。
Studying Japanese is fun.
She likes cooking.
Used to express that something sometimes happens or that one has had the experience of doing something. The verb is in plain form.
朝ごはんを食べないことがあります。
There are times when I don't eat breakfast.
日本に行ったことがありますか。
Have you ever been to Japan?
Expresses ability or possibility. It is a more formal alternative to the potential form of verbs.
彼はピアノを弾くことができます。
He can play the piano.
ここで写真を撮ることができません。
You cannot take photos here.
The learner wants to refer to an abstract concept, fact, or matter, similar to 'thing' in English but for non-physical entities.
Used to refer to an intangible thing, such as a fact, event, or idea. Often contrasted with もの (mono) for tangible objects.
それは本当のことですか。
Is that true? (lit. Is that a true thing?)
大切なことを忘れていました。
I forgot something important.
The kanji form, often used in formal writing. Same meaning as こと.
The learner wants to express that they know or have experienced something as a fact.
Indicates that one has had the experience of doing something. The verb must be in the plain past tense.
富士山に登ったことがあります。
I have climbed Mt. Fuji.
彼に会ったことがありません。
I have never met him.
Indicates that something sometimes happens. The verb is in the plain non-past form.
時々、寝坊することがあります。
I sometimes oversleep.
The learner wants to emphasize an adjective or state in an exclamatory way.
Used at the end of a sentence to express exclamation or deep emotion, often in feminine or formal speech. The adjective is in its plain form.
まあ、きれいなこと！
Oh, how beautiful!
大変なことになった。
It's become a serious matter.
The learner wants to understand common fixed phrases that use こと.
Used to explain or define something, similar to 'that means' or 'the fact that'. Often used in the pattern 〜ということだ.
彼が来ないということは、何かあったのかもしれない。
The fact that he isn't coming might mean something happened.
Expresses a decision or choice made by the speaker. Attach to the plain present form of a verb.
明日からジョギングをすることにしました。
I've decided to start jogging from tomorrow.
Expresses that something has been decided or arranged, often by external circumstances or others. Attach to the plain present form of a verb.
来月、大阪に転勤することになりました。
It has been decided that I will be transferred to Osaka next month.
Expresses ability or possibility. See also the nominalizer section.
彼は英語を話すことができます。
He can speak English.
Expresses experience or occasional occurrence. See also the experience section.
海外に行ったことがあります。
I have been abroad.
こと refers to intangible things (events, facts, concepts), while もの refers to tangible, physical objects. For example, 食べるもの (things to eat) vs. 食べること (the act of eating).
これは高いものですね。
This is an expensive thing, isn't it?
それは難しいことです。
That is a difficult matter.
In casual speech, nominalizers like の are often preferred over こと. Using こと in every noun phrase can sound stiff or overly formal. For example, 'I like watching movies' is more naturally 映画を見るのが好きです than 映画を見ることが好きです in conversation.
映画を見るのが好きです。
I like watching movies. (casual/natural)
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