Japanese learning (A4 S26): Confiding a Reason/Cause using “-ndesu.” at the end of a Sentence.

We have already learned that “-ndesuka.” and “-ndesu.” were modality expressions. “-ndesuka.” adds nuance of a little surprise, and “-ndesu,” adds nuance of explanation like “Let me tell you the truth.” and/or “Actually, something happened to me.” Today’s sentences are a kind of the latter one using “-ndesu.” for explanations. See the followings;

1. Watashi wa Kaimono ni Ikimasen. Shigoto ga Aru ndesu. (I won’t go shopping. Because I have to work.)

 The second sentence also can be “Shigoto ga Arimasu kara.” using the already learned expression. “Shigoto ga Aru ndesu.” is the explanation of reason why “Watashi” won’t go shopping.

2. Watashi wa Kaimono ni Ikimasen. Okane ga Nai ndesu. (I won’t go shopping. Because I don’t have money.)

The second sentence also can be “Okane ga Arimasen kara.” Not having money could be an enough reason for not going shopping. But “-ndesu.” also expresses desperate situation of the speaker.

Practice and remember the following conversation;

A : Satou-san, Kyou Umi ni Ikimasenka. (Sato-san, shall we go to the sea today?)

B : Watashi wa Ikimasen. Kibun ga Warui ndesu. (I won’t. Because I don’t feel good.)

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This post was written with reference to the exercise A4 on Section26 of “Minna no Nihongo (2nd Edition)” published by “3A Corporation”