Grammar Info
N3 Lesson 2: 17/22

ものだ
supposed to, should, that's the way it is

Structure
Verb + もの(1) + (2)
[い]Adjective + もの(1) + (2)
[な]Adjective + + もの(1) + (2)

(1) もん
(2) ではないじゃない
Details
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使用域 一般
Information
もの (or 物(もの) in its kanji form) is classified as a 形式名詞(けいしきめいし) (dummy noun) in Japanese. This just means a noun that is used in a similar way to ‘thing’ in English. もの regularly refers to things that do not have their own name, or are difficult to name due to their complexity. When もの is combined with the 助動詞(じょどうし) (auxiliary verb) , it implies that the previously mentioned (A) is something that ‘is what it is’. This is often used in relation to customs, conventions, common sense, or to highlight results that would naturally be expected in any given situation.
To use ものだ, attach it to the end of the 連体形(れんたいけい) (attributive form) of any word/word that ends a phrase that you would like to highlight as being an obvious piece of information.
  • 仕事(しごと)は一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)するものだ
    Work is something you should put all your effort into.
  • ユウキ自分(じぶん)からプラン立(た)てるは珍(めずら)しいものだ
    It is rare for Yuki to plan something out on his own.
  • こどもは元気(げんき)なものだ
    Kids should be energetic. (Man, kids are energetic)
ものだ as ‘supposed to’, or ‘the way it is’ can also be used to negate a phrase, and say that it is ‘something that isn’t expected’, or ‘shouldn’t be the case’. To do this, will be replaced with ではない, or じゃない.
  • 人生(じんせい)はそんなに簡単(かんたん)な物(もの)ではない。
    Life is not something that is easy.
  • 家族(かぞく)は捨(す)てるものじゃない。
    Family is not something you should throw away.
Caution
もの may sometimes be abbreviated as もん. This is far more common in spoken language, and can make the statement sound a bit more casual overall.
  • 東大(とうだい)に入(はい)れた?大(たい)したもんだ。
    You were able to get into Tokyo University? That is impressive.
  • ゴミ道(みち)に捨(す)てるもんじゃない!
    You should not throw garbage on the street!
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ケーキ甘(あま)いものだ。
Cake is supposed to be sweet.
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仕事(しごと)自分(じぶん)から進(すす)んでするもの
Work is something you should do proactively.
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親(おや)は親切(しんせつ)もの
Parents are supposed to be kind.
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