～んです・のです (Explanatory)

Explanatory, Emphasis, The fact is

JLPT N5
Pattern

Plain form + んです / のです

How it works

んです adds an explanatory tone: giving a reason, asking for one, or stressing a point. After nouns and な-adjectives, use な: 学生なんです. In questions (どうしたんですか) it shows concern or curiosity.

Examples

  • あたまが いたいんです。(The thing is,) I have a headache.
  • どうして 来なかったんですか。Why didn't you come?

Related grammar

Further reading

Bunpro N5 · Lesson 3

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