Structure
そんな + Noun, こんな + Noun, あんな + Noun, どんな + Noun
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Standard
使用域
一般
About そんな・こんな・あんな・どんな
One of the most common ways to convey that something is 'like' something else in casual conversation, is through the use of そんな, こんな, あんな, or どんな (when asking a question). These are not officially words themselves, but are abbreviations that come from そのような, このような, あのような, and どのような.
To use this casual expression, simply say it directly before the noun that you are describing, or enquiring about.
To use this casual expression, simply say it directly before the noun that you are describing, or enquiring about.
- そんな言い方してはいけません。You should not phrase it like that.
- こんな高いものはもらえないよ。I can't accept a gift this expensive.
- あんな大人にはなりたくない。I don't want to become an adult like that.
- どんな靴が欲しい?What kind of shoes do you want?
- そのような商品はないです。We don't have a product like that.
- このような場合にはどうすればいいですか。What should we do in a situation like this?
- あのような運転をしないでください。Please do not drive like that.
- どのような商品をお探しですか?What kind of product are you looking for?
Synonyms
Examples
こんな畳が大体寝やすい。
Tatami mats like these are generally easy to sleep on.
あんな駐車場は使いにくい。
A parking lot like that (over there) is hard to use.
そんな技術は珍しい。
A skill such as that is rare.
そんなことを言わないでくれませんか。
Could you not say such things please. (Close to listener)
どんな車がいい。
What kind of car is good?
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How to use こんな / そんな / あんな
MaggieSensei
Difference between そういう and そんな
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Tobira
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そんな・こんな・あんな・どんな – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (2 in total)
bilowik
Is there some nuanced differences between this grammar point and the そういう grammar point?
Pablunpro
Hi!
This is what I have in my notes on the そういう grammar:
"In speech it’s not much different than こんな 、 そんな 、or あんな (which are informal forms of このような 、 そのような 、and あのような ) ".
This is directly taken from the second resource listed in that grammar point, ELI5: How to use こういう/そういう/ああいう/どういう. : r/LearnJapanese (reddit.com).
HTH!
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