Structure
Phrase + のは + Noun + の方だ
Noun + な + のは + Noun + の方だ
Details
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Standard
使用域
一般
About のはXの方だ
のは～の方だ is an expression used to show that (A) (usually despite expectations) is (B). It can be translated as 'the one that (A), is (B)'. This phrase is made up of the following parts:
のは - Used for nominalization (creating a noun phrase). は highlights contrast between two (or more) elements.
の方 - A combination of の, the case marking particle, and 方, a noun meaning 'side', or 'direction'.
だ (or です) - The auxiliary verb used for 'determining' something.
The literal meaning of this grammar point is something similar to 'that which is (A), is on the side of (B)'. By saying that something is on the 'side' of (B), it comes across more gently than expressly stating that it 'is (B)'.
To use this construction, attach のは to the end of a phrase, and then follow it with a noun + の方だ. Note that のは will become なのは if the final word before のは is a noun.
のは - Used for nominalization (creating a noun phrase). は highlights contrast between two (or more) elements.
の方 - A combination of の, the case marking particle, and 方, a noun meaning 'side', or 'direction'.
だ (or です) - The auxiliary verb used for 'determining' something.
The literal meaning of this grammar point is something similar to 'that which is (A), is on the side of (B)'. By saying that something is on the 'side' of (B), it comes across more gently than expressly stating that it 'is (B)'.
To use this construction, attach のは to the end of a phrase, and then follow it with a noun + の方だ. Note that のは will become なのは if the final word before のは is a noun.
- 言い出したのは俺の方だから、俺がなんとかしておくよ。I am the one that said it, so I will do something about it.
- そのコップを壊したのはタケルの方だ！俺は関係ないよ！The one that broke the cup is Takeru! I have nothing to do with it!
Fun Fact
This phrase is often used apologetically, to express that someone feels that they are the individual who is (more) responsible (for causing a certain outcome).- 謝らなければいけないのは私の方ですよ。あなたは何も悪くないです。The one that needs to apologize is me. You are not in the wrong at all.
Examples
「あたしがわるいの。ごめんなさい！」
「君が悪いんじゃないよ。謝るべきなのはぼくの方だ。」'It is my fault! I am so sorry!'
'You are not at fault. I am the one who should apologize.'This is often used in the case that the speaker is understood to be on one side, and the listener is on the other.
お前に言いつけたのはオレの方だから、彼女はほっておいて。
It was I who told on you, not her, so leave her alone.
ドアを開けっぱなしにしたのはキちゃんの方だと思う。
I think that Ki-chan was the one who left the doors open (not me).
This can be used to imply that the speaker is not to blame. Great way to shift the responsibility onto someone else.
あのときサカモトくんを誘いたかったのは、あたしの方だ。
I am the one who wanted to invite Sakamoto-kun at that time.
わたしが怖いのは、犬ではなく飼い主の方だ。
The owner is the one who I am afraid of, not the dog.
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Using なのは in a sentence
Japanese StackExchange
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Tobira
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