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んです/のです (Explanatory)

[Plain Form]んです/のです

Explanation

Adds explanatory tone, seeking or giving explanations.

Formation

Plain form + んです (casual) / のです (formal)

Examples

どうしたんですか。
Doushita n desu ka.
What happened?
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忙しいんです。
Isogashii n desu.
(The thing is) I'm busy.
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日本人なんですか。
Nihonjin na n desu ka.
So you're Japanese?
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Usage Notes

  • んです is conversational
  • のです is formal/written
  • な for nouns/な-adj
  • Softens statements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Need な for nouns: 学生なんです
  • Not just emphasis - adds context
  • Question form seeks explanation

Related Grammar from "Essential Expressions"

すみません (Excuse Me/Sorry)

Stand-alone
before requests

Multi-purpose polite expression.

どうぞ (Please/Go Ahead)

Stand-alone
with actions

Offering or giving permission.

よろしくお願いします

Stand-alone formal expression

Multi-purpose polite phrase for establishing good relations.

More from "Essential Expressions"