ものではない (monodehanai)

Meaning & usage

ものではない expresses a general rule that an action is improper and should not be done, often based on manners, morals, or common sense. It attaches to the dictionary form of a verb, as in するものではない or 言うものではない. It sounds firm and preachy, so it is used for general principles rather than a casual request to one person. The もの in this pattern is always written in hiragana.

Example sentences 6

1. 女おんなの子こがあぐらをかいて座すわるものではない。

   A girl should not sit with her legs crossed.

2. 夜のこんな時間に電話をかけるものではない。

   You ought not to call at this time of night.

3. 人を見掛けで判断するものではない。

   You shouldn't judge a person by his appearance.

4. 彼にそんな失礼なことを言うものではない。

   You shouldn't say such rude things to him.

5. 人を外見だけで判断するものではない。

   You should not judge a person by his appearance alone.

6. 子供のいる所でそんなことを言うものではない。

   You shouldn't say such a thing in the presence of children.