Use 'konna' to describe things or situations close to the speaker's current focus.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe something near the speaker.
- Indicates the nature or state of a specific item.
- Commonly used to provide examples in daily conversation.
Overview
- 1概要：「こんな」は指示詞（こそあど言葉）の一つで、話し手にとって心理的・物理的に近い事柄の状態や性質を説明する際に使用します。「これのような」という意味を持ち、話し手が実際に目の前にあるものや、今まさに経験している状況を指すのが特徴です。2) 使用パターン：名詞の前に置いて「こんな＋名詞」の形で使います。また、「こんなに」と副詞的に使うことで、程度を強調することも可能です。文末で「こんなだ」と断定するよりも、名詞を修飾して「こんな本」「こんなこと」のように使うのが一般的です。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話で非常に頻繁に使われます。自分の感情や状況を相手に伝える際、具体例を挙げることで説得力や臨場感を持たせることができます。また、驚きや不満、あるいは感動を伝える際にも多用されます。4) 類似語との比較：「そんな」は聞き手に近いもの、「あんな」は話し手・聞き手の両方から遠いものを指します。「こんな」は常に話し手を中心とした視点から発せられる言葉です。
Examples
こんな本は読んだことがありません。
everydayI have never read a book like this.
こんな状況では会議はできません。
formalWe cannot hold a meeting in such a situation.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
こんなはずじゃなかった
It wasn't supposed to be like this.
Often Confused With
Used for things close to the listener. If you are talking about something the other person mentioned, use 'sonna'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Konna is a neutral determiner used in both formal and informal settings. It is essential for describing situations relative to the speaker. Ensure you distinguish it from sonna (listener-focused) and anna (distanced).
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse konna, sonna, and anna. Remember the 'ko-so-a' system: ko (speaker), so (listener), a (distant). Avoid using it as a standalone pronoun.
Tips
Focus on the speaker's perspective
Always remember that 'konna' refers to something close to the speaker. If the object is near the listener, use 'sonna' instead.
Avoid using it as a sentence end
Do not end a sentence with 'konna' alone. It must modify a noun or be part of a larger grammatical structure.
Expressing emotions naturally
Japanese speakers use 'konna' to share personal experiences. It helps convey feelings like surprise or frustration effectively.
Word Origin
Derived from the demonstrative series 'ko-so-a-do'. It combines 'ko' (this) with the suffix 'nna' denoting manner or quality.
Cultural Context
The ko-so-a system is fundamental to Japanese spatial deixis. Mastering it is key to sounding natural in conversation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'K' for 'Keep it close'. Konna is for things near the speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions「こんな」は話し手の主観や感情を伴うことが多いですが、「こういう」はより説明的で客観的なニュアンスが強くなります。日常会話では「こんな」の方が自然です。
文末で使うことはあまりありません。名詞を修飾して「こんな＋名詞」とするか、「こんなに＋形容詞」と使うのが一般的です。
はい、「こんな」自体は中立的な言葉ですので、丁寧語（です・ます）と組み合わせればビジネスやフォーマルな場でも問題なく使えます。
Test Yourself
___ 料理は初めて食べました。
話し手自身が今食べている料理について述べているため、話し手寄りの「こんな」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Use 'konna' to describe things or situations close to the speaker's current focus.
- Used to describe something near the speaker.
- Indicates the nature or state of a specific item.
- Commonly used to provide examples in daily conversation.
Focus on the speaker's perspective
Always remember that 'konna' refers to something close to the speaker. If the object is near the listener, use 'sonna' instead.
Avoid using it as a sentence end
Do not end a sentence with 'konna' alone. It must modify a noun or be part of a larger grammatical structure.
Expressing emotions naturally
Japanese speakers use 'konna' to share personal experiences. It helps convey feelings like surprise or frustration effectively.
Examples
2 of 2こんな本は読んだことがありません。
I have never read a book like this.
こんな状況では会議はできません。
We cannot hold a meeting in such a situation.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
