Structure
Phrase + というのは(1) + [い]Adjective + (という)ことなの(2)だ(3)
Phrase + というのは(1) + Verb + (という)ことなの(2)だ(3)
Phrase + というのは(1) + [な]Adjective + な(4)ことなの(2)だ(3)
Phrase + というのは(1) + Noun + の(4)ことなの(2)だ(3)
(1) って、とは、ということは、というのは
(2) なん
(3) である、でござる
(4) という
Details
Register
Standard
使用域
一般
About ことなの
When the noun こと (or 事 in its kanji form) is combined with なの, it conveys an explanatory meaning that is similar to what can be seen in the んです・のです grammar pattern. As with んです, ことなの transforms 'it is (A)', into 'it is that it is (A)', simply emphasizing the point.
ことなの may be seen in several different forms, and is quite often used in conjunction with というのは. In these types of sentences, というのは will present the topic, before ことなの will be used to show the conclusion that the speaker has drawn about that topic.
This expression may be used with any word in its attributive form, nouns followed by の, or な-Adjectives followed by な.
ことなの may be seen in several different forms, and is quite often used in conjunction with というのは. In these types of sentences, というのは will present the topic, before ことなの will be used to show the conclusion that the speaker has drawn about that topic.
This expression may be used with any word in its attributive form, nouns followed by の, or な-Adjectives followed by な.
- 漫画家というのは漫画を描く人のことなのだ。Manga artists are people that draw manga.
- 付属品というのはメインの物に付属している物の事なんだ。Accessories are things that come with the main product.
- 雨が上がるというのは雨が止むことなのです。The thing which is 'for rain to rise' means 'to stop raining'.
- あの人は超一流歌手ということなの?Do you mean that person is the most skilled singer?
- 輸送とは荷物を送ることなの。'Freight' means to ship a package.
Caution
As というのは is quite long, it will often be shortened to って or とは in casual speech.Caution
ことなの is also frequently used when asking questions. This is usually when the speaker has drawn a conclusion about something that has been said, and wants to confirm their understanding.- つまりそこに一人で行くと危ないということなのか。You mean that it is dangerous to go there alone?
- そんなに怒ることですか。This is not something you should get so worked up over.
Synonyms
ということだ
I heard that, Rumor has it that, It is said that, It means that
Not studied yet
というのは
~ Known as ~ is, ~ Called ~ is, ~ Means ~, Because
Not studied yet
こと
Converting a verb into a noun
Not studied yet
ということ
~ing, The ~ that ~ (Nominalization)
Not studied yet
ということは
That means, That is to say
Not studied yet
Examples
幽霊船というのは生きた乗組員のいない船舶のことなのである。
A ghost ship is a vessel with no living crew.
ハダウェイ:「恋愛とはどういうことなのだろうか。」
Haddaway: 'Love, what does it mean?'
つまり、その病気が感染症ではないということなのである。
In other words, it means that the disease is not infectious.
「ザクシャ・イン・ラブ」とは「愛を永遠に」ということなのだ。
'Zawsze in love' means 'forever in love'.
「月に代わって、お仕置きよ!」というのはどういうことなのでしょうか?
What does 'in place of the moon, I will punish you' mean?
Get more example sentences!
Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.
Self-Study Sentences
Study your own way!
Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.
Online
Breakdown of なのだ
Nihongo Master
Offline
Tobira
Page 93
Track Resources!
Bunpro tracks all of the resources you’ve visited, and offers relevant bookmarks of physical books to help with offline tracking.
ことなの – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (3 in total)
seanblue
This was offered as an alternative answer, but isn’t it wrong with the の before という?
Daru
It’s been updated, thank you for pointing that out!
ultigonio
Got questions about ことなの? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!
Join the Discussion