Use 'ano' to point to things physically or mentally distant from both speaker and listener.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for objects far from both speaker and listener.
- Always followed by a noun.
- Commonly used to get someone's attention.
Overview
- 1概要：「あの」は、日本語の指示詞「こそあど言葉」の一つで、話し手と聞き手の双方から物理的または心理的に離れた対象を指し示します。英語の「that」に相当し、特定の対象を指して相手に確認を求めたり、情報を共有したりする際に必須の言葉です。2) 使用パターン：名詞の直前に置かれます。「あの＋名詞」の形で、文中で修飾語として機能します。例えば、「あの人」「あの建物」のように、相手も認識している対象を指す際に使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話からビジネスまで幅広く使われます。特に、遠くにあるものについて話す時や、過去の出来事を回想する際によく登場します。また、相手の注意を惹きつけるための呼びかけ（あの…）としても頻繁に使われます。4) 類似語との比較：「これ（これ）」は話し手に近いもの、「それ（それ）」は聞き手に近いもの、「あれ（あれ）」は両方から遠いものを指します。「あの」は「あれ」の連体詞形であり、後ろに必ず名詞を伴う点が「あれ」との大きな違いです。
Examples
あの建物は学校です。
everydayThat building is a school.
あの時の感動は忘れられません。
formalI cannot forget the excitement of that time.
あの人、誰？
informalWho is that person?
あの会議の議事録を確認してください。
academicPlease check the minutes of that meeting.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
あの…
Excuse me...
あのね
You know what?
Often Confused With
Are is a pronoun that stands alone as a noun. Ano is a determiner that must be followed by a noun.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Ano is used when the speaker and listener share a perspective on an object far from both. It is a neutral term suitable for all registers. Always ensure a noun follows it immediately.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 'ano' as a noun (e.g., 'Ano wa nan desu ka?'). This is incorrect; use 'are' instead. Another error is using 'ano' for things near the listener.
Tips
Use 'ano' for shared distant objects
If both you and the listener can see an object far away, use 'ano'. It helps establish a common reference point in conversation.
Never use 'ano' alone
Unlike 'are', 'ano' cannot stand alone as a noun. You must attach a noun after it to make a complete phrase.
Polite hesitation with 'ano'
Japanese speakers often start sentences with 'Ano...' to soften a request. It is a vital social marker for politeness.
Word Origin
Derived from the demonstrative root 'a-', indicating distance. It has been part of the Japanese demonstrative system since Old Japanese.
Cultural Context
The word 'ano' is essential for maintaining social harmony in Japan. It is used as a soft opener to avoid sounding too direct or aggressive.
Memory Tip
Think of 'a-no' as 'a-noun'—it always needs a noun after it. If you don't have a noun, use 'are'!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「あれ」は代名詞で、それ単独で名詞として機能します。一方、「あの」は連体詞で、必ず後ろに名詞を伴う必要があります。
会話の切り出しや、相手に何かを尋ねる前のクッション言葉です。英語の「Excuse me」や「Well...」に近いニュアンスです。
はい、使えます。お互いが知っている過去の出来事や場所を回想する際に、「あの時のこと」のように使われます。
使えます。「あの人」と言うと、遠くにいる人や、話題に上がっている特定の人物を指します。
Test Yourself
___ 山は富士山です。
後ろに名詞「山」があるため、連体詞の「あの」が必要です。
Score: /1
Summary
Use 'ano' to point to things physically or mentally distant from both speaker and listener.
- Used for objects far from both speaker and listener.
- Always followed by a noun.
- Commonly used to get someone's attention.
Use 'ano' for shared distant objects
If both you and the listener can see an object far away, use 'ano'. It helps establish a common reference point in conversation.
Never use 'ano' alone
Unlike 'are', 'ano' cannot stand alone as a noun. You must attach a noun after it to make a complete phrase.
Polite hesitation with 'ano'
Japanese speakers often start sentences with 'Ano...' to soften a request. It is a vital social marker for politeness.
Examples
4 of 4あの建物は学校です。
That building is a school.
あの時の感動は忘れられません。
I cannot forget the excitement of that time.
あの人、誰？
Who is that person?
あの会議の議事録を確認してください。
Please check the minutes of that meeting.
Related Content
Related Phrases
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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.
