こと
Meanings
thing; matter; the fact that; doing
Very common abstract noun and formal noun. It refers to a matter, topic, fact, or action rather than a concrete object; after a verb or adjective phrase, it nominalizes the phrase as an abstract thing.
Let's talk about that matter later.
I like studying Japanese.
circumstances; situation; state of affairs
Refers to how matters stand or how a situation has developed. Often appears in set expressions such as ことの次第.
Please explain the circumstances.
Used for someone's duties, household matters, company affairs, or other practical business to be handled.
My older brother handles all the household affairs.
Company affairs have been left to him.
make-believe; pretending to
Limited suffix use, mostly encountered in fixed compounds where こと is voiced to ごと, such as ままごと. It is not a freely productive modern standalone use.
See also: 事 (ごと)
The children are playing house.
no need to; not necessary to
Used in the pattern verb dictionary form + ことはない to say that there is no need to do something.
There is no need to worry so much.
should; it is important to; I advise that
Used in the pattern verb dictionary form + ことだ to give advice or state what is important. It can sound direct or explanatory.
First, you should try looking it up yourself.
Usage patterns· 8
- 〈動詞〉ことがあるto have done something before / for something to sometimes happen
I have been to Kyoto before.
- 〈動詞〉ことはないthere is no need to do something
There's no need to worry that much.
- 〈動詞〉ことだshould do something; the important thing is to...
For your health, you should sleep well.
- 大変なことになるfor things to turn into a serious situation
If things go on like this, it'll turn into a big problem.
- 〈動詞〉ことができるto be able to do something
He can play the piano.
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- 〈動詞〉ことにするto decide to do something
I decided to study abroad next year.
- 〈動詞〉ことになるit has been arranged/decided that; it turns out that
It has been decided that I'll move to Osaka next month.
- 〈人〉の言うことを聞くto listen to / obey what someone says
Children should listen to what their parents say.
Expressions· 88
- ことによるとpossibly; maybe; perhaps
- いいことgood thing; nice thing · good excuse; good opportunity; taking advantage of · good idea; suggestion · hey; listen; you know what
- そのことthat; the matter in question
- とのことI'm told; apparently; is what I heard
- ことこそthis is exactly; this for sure; certainly is