Beginning Japanese for Professionals: Book 2

71 In contrast, the ~ n desu pattern is VERY common and almost required in similar situations when speaking in Japanese. A: Konban dekakemasen ka. B: Sumimasen. Shukudai ga aru n desu . It is not a viable strategy, though tempting, to use the ~n desu pattern all the time, or conversely to completely dismiss it. Misuse can cause social awkwardness and in some cases more serious consequences. Why? Remember this pattern indicates that the speaker is aware of something in the situation and her statements reflect this awareness. Thus, not using this pattern where it is expected may indicate that the speaker is indifferent or insensitive, or failed to “read the air”. Paying attention to others and anticipating their needs is highly valued in Japan, probably more so than in some other cultures. Failing to do so may have more negative significance when speaking Japanese. Consider the following examples. a) At a restaurant, you see something unusual on your plate. You are not sure if it’s a decoration or whether you can eat it. Kore, taberu n desu ka ? ‘So, do you eat this?’ (Is that why it’s here?) is an appropriate question. On the other hand, the same sentence without ~ n desu -- Kore tabemasu ka-- lacks any indication of your being confused. Thus it may give your fellow diner an impression that you are offering the item to her. b) A co-worker returned from taking a test. You want to know how it went. Muzukashikatta desu ka? ‘Was it hard?’ is a simple question and appropriate. On the other hand the sentence with /~ n desu/ -- Muzukashikatta n desu ka ? –would indicate that you see something wrong. It may be interpreted as if the co-worker looks distraught or unhappy. c) You want to turn down the food you are offered. Compare the following. Amari suki ja nai desu. -- Informing about your food preference Amari suki ja nai n desu. -- Explaining why you do not want the food While both sentences presents the same information, the first one does not necessarily connect the statement with your not accepting the food. The second sentence does. A similar difference can be observed between the following. Ame desu. ‘It’s raining.’ --Informing about the weather Ame na n desu . ‘It's raining, so…’ --Explaining why How is the ~n desu pattern different from the ~ kara pattern? The ~ kara pattern specifically provides THE reason for something, while the ~ n desu pattern draws attention to a factor in the situation, thus is softer and more vague. The speaker can stay appropriately ambiguous, and asks the listener to get it. In the examples c) above, the ~ kara pattern might be an option. Amari suki ja nai desu kara . ‘Because I don’t like it very much.’ Ame desu kara. ‘Because it’s raining.’