Meaning & usage
こと turns a verb phrase into a noun phrase, like doing, to do, or what someone says. It lets you talk about an action or idea as a thing that can be known, wanted, or needed. Attach it to the plain form of the verb, as in すること, したいこと, or 分からないこと, not the polite ます form. It is neutral and common in both speech and writing.
Example sentences 8
-
ごめん、言いたいことがわからないんだけど。
Sorry, I don't get your point.
-
やることがあるんだ。
I have stuff to do.
-
あなたの言うことは分かります。
I understand what you mean.
-
フランス語が分からないってこと？
Are you telling me that you can't understand French?
-
あなたが今、あたしにしてほしいことは何？
What is it that you want me to do now?
-
分からないことはまだたくさんある。
There are still many things we don't know.
-
イスラムについて、聞きたいことがあるの。
I have a question about Islam.
-
今は何もすることがないんだ。
I don't have anything to do right now.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 21 past exam questions.
And 15 more tests.
