Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 5: 4/20

そんな

Such a・Kind of, Something like ~

Structure

そんな + Noun, こんな + Noun, あんな + Noun, どんな + Noun

Details

  • Register

    Standard

  • 使用域

    一般

About そんな・こんな・あんな・どんな

One of the most common ways to convey that something is 'like' something else in casual conversation, is through the use of そんな, こんな, あんな, or どんな (when asking a question). These are not officially words themselves, but are abbreviations that come from そのような, このような, あのような, and どのような.
To use this casual expression, simply say it directly before the noun that you are describing, or enquiring about.
  • そんな言(い)い方(かた)してはいけません。
    You should not phrase it like that.
  • こんな高(たか)いものはもらえないよ。
    I can't accept a gift this expensive.
  • あんな大人(おとな)にはなりたくない。
    I don't want to become an adult like that.
  • どんな靴(くつ)が欲(ほ)しい？
    What kind of shoes do you want?
Because these abbreviations originally come from a longer (more formal) variation, that form may also be used in situations where you would like to sound a little bit more polite.
  • そのような商品(しょうひん)はないです。
    We don't have a product like that.
  • このような場合(ばあい)にはどうすればいいですか。
    What should we do in a situation like this?
  • あのような運転(うんてん)をしないでください。
    Please do not drive like that.
  • どのような商品(しょうひん)をお探(さが)しですか？
    What kind of product are you looking for?

Examples

  • こんな畳(たたみ)が大体(だいたい)寝(ね)やすい。

    Tatami mats like these are generally easy to sleep on.

  • あんな駐車場(ちゅうしゃじょう)は使(つか)いにくい。

    A parking lot like that (over there) is hard to use.

  • そんな技術(ぎじゅつ)は珍(めずら)しい。

    A skill such as that is rare.

  • そんなことを言(い)わないでくれませんか。

    Could you not say such things please. (Close to listener)

  • どんな車(くるま)がいい。

    What kind of car is good?

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