GRAMMAR
〜ものだ
supposed to
should (generic)
Explanation
NOTE
〜ものだ expresses a general truth, natural expectation, or how things are supposed to be — describing what is commonly the case or what one ought to do based on common sense or social norms.
人はいつか死ぬものだ。
It is a fact of life that people die someday.
Used to describe a universal truth or an unavoidable reality of life.
NOTE
The plain form (dictionary form or negative form) is used before ものだ. It often sounds like a gentle reminder or a statement of wisdom about how the world works.
目上の人には敬語を使うものだ。
One is supposed to use polite language with superiors.
Used to state a social expectation, rule, or common-sense moral standard.
STRUCTURE
V辞
ものだ人に迷惑をかけないものだ。
Hito ni meiwaku wo kakenai mono da.
One is supposed to not cause trouble for others.
子どもは元気に遊ぶものだ。
Kodomo wa genki ni asobu mono da.
Children are supposed to play energetically — that's just how it is.
目上の人には敬語を使うものだ。
Meue no hito ni wa keigo wo tsukau mono da.
One is supposed to use polite language with superiors.
STRUCTURE
Vない
ものだ人の悪口を言わないものだ。
Hito no warukuchi wo iwanai mono da.
One is not supposed to speak badly about others.
公共の場で騒がないものだ。
Koukyou no ba de sawaganai mono da.
One is not supposed to be noisy in public places.
他人のものを勝手に使わないものだ。
Tanin no mono wo katte ni tsukawanai mono da.
One is not supposed to use other people's things without permission.
Practice exercises
1
年上の人を敬うものだ。
One is supposed to respect elders.
Answer
ものだ
2
約束は守るものだ。
One should keep promises.
Answer
ものだ
3
時間は大切にするものだ。
One should treasure time.
Answer
ものだ
4
人を傷つけないものだ。
One is not supposed to hurt others.
Answer
ものだ
5
嘘をつかないものだ。
One is not supposed to lie.
Answer
ものだ
6
弱い者をいじめないものだ。
One is not supposed to bully the weak.
Answer
ものだ
7
人には親切にするものだ。
One is supposed to be kind to others — that's just how it is.
Answer
ものだ
8
子どもは元気に遊ぶものだ。
Children are supposed to play energetically — that's just how it is.
Answer
ものだ
9
目上の人には敬語を使うものだ。
One is supposed to use polite language with superiors.
Answer
ものだ
10
公共の場では他人への配慮を忘れないものだ。
One is not supposed to forget consideration for others in public spaces.
Answer
ものだ
11
困難に直面したとき、人は互いに助け合うものだ。
When faced with hardship, people are naturally supposed to help one another.
Answer
ものだ