N5 · Structured courses

Ndesu: Explanation and Emphasis

Learn んです for explaining situations, giving reasons, and seeking confirmation. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn んです for explaining situations, giving reasons, and seeking confirmation.
  • Form and connection: [Plain form] んです / のです
  • Nuance in real use: んです adds a layer of "you know?" to any statement — implying the unsaid "I have my reasons, please understand."

Form and connection

[Plain form] んです / のです

Core Explanation

Learn んです for explaining situations, giving reasons, and seeking confirmation.

Cultural Note

んです adds a layer of "you know?" to any statement — implying the unsaid "I have my reasons, please understand."

Practical examples

The train was delayed (that's why).
I'm studying Japanese (that's what I'm doing).
Where are you going? (seeking explanation)

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Plain form] んです / のです
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerThe train was delayed (that's why).
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answerどこへ行いくんですか。 ([Plain form] んです / のです)

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