Meaning & usage
こと refers to abstract things like ideas, events, or what someone says, rather than physical objects. It works like an ordinary noun, so it can follow a verb in plain form such as やること, an i-adjective or na-adjective, or a noun with の like あなたのこと. It is then followed by particles like が, を, or は to fit the sentence. Do not confuse it with もの, which usually points to tangible things.
Example sentences 8
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ちょうどあなたのことをお話ししていたところです。
We were just talking about you.
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やることがたくさんあるの？
Do you have a lot to do?
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こんなことを今までにお聞きになったことがありますか。
Have you ever heard of such a thing?
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話したいことがあるのだけど。
I want to talk to you about something.
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言いたいことは分かるよ。
I know what you mean.
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今は何もすることがありません。
I don't have anything to do now.
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あなたのおっしゃることが、どうもよく分かりません。
I don't quite follow you.
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ジェーンがそんなことを言ったはずはない。
Jane cannot have said such a thing.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 9 past exam questions.
And 5 more tests.
