「〜ではありませんか」- Isn't it...?
Explanation
「〜ではありませんか」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express confirmation or rhetorical questions, equivalent to "Isn't it...?" or "Couldn't it be...?" in English. It is often used when the speaker is surprised, doubtful, or wants to confirm something.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Noun + ではありませんか | Noun + ではありませんか | Used to express confirmation or rhetorical questions, indicating the speaker's surprise or doubt. |
Basic Usage
Connection
- Noun + ではありませんか
Meaning
- Expresses confirmation or rhetorical questions, with a tone of surprise, doubt, or confirmation.
Examples
これ は本 ではありませんか。- Kore wa hon dewa arimasen ka.
- Isn't this a book?
彼 は先生 ではありませんか。- Kare wa sensei dewa arimasen ka.
- Isn't he a teacher?
この 問題 は簡単 ではありませんか。- Kono mondai wa kantan dewa arimasen ka.
- Isn't this problem simple?
今日 は休日 ではありませんか。- Kyou wa kyuujitsu dewa arimasen ka.
- Isn't today a holiday?
Comparison and Differences
「〜ではありませんか」 and 「〜じゃないですか」 can both be used to express confirmation or rhetorical questions, but they differ in formality.
| Grammar Point | Usage Context | Formality Level |
|---|---|---|
| 〜ではありませんか | Formal situations | More formal |
| 〜じゃないですか | Casual conversations | More colloquial |
Example:
これ は本 じゃないですか。- Kore wa hon janai desu ka.
- Isn't this a book?
Deep Dive
「〜ではありませんか」 is mainly used to express the speaker's surprise, doubt, or confirmation about something. It is typically used in formal situations or written language, while 「〜じゃないですか」 is more commonly used in everyday conversations.
Summary
「〜ではありませんか」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express confirmation or rhetorical questions, with a tone of surprise, doubt, or confirmation. Mastering this pattern will help you better express your thoughts or questions in formal or written contexts.