Learn Japanese grammar: こと (koto). Meaning: verb nominalizer. It allows you to use verbs as nouns.
Here are some basic examples.
Meaning | Plain Form | Verb (acting as Noun) |
---|---|---|
to do | する | すること |
to come | 来る | 来ること |
to meet | 会う | 会うこと |
to see | 見る | 見ること |
For example, the verb 食べる (taberu) “to eat” can change to 食べること (taberu koto) “eating”.
From JLPT N3, this word can also be used as an order. See lesson for こと (koto) must do.

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こと - Example Sentences 例文
Each example sentence includes a Japanese hint, the romaji reading, and the English translation.
Click the below red button to toggle off and and on all of the hints, and you can click on the buttons individually to show only the ones you want to see.
Example #1
本を読むことが好きです。
Example #2
私は料理を作ることが下手です。
Example #3
私はゲームをすることが大好きです。
Example #4
私には考えることがたくさんある。
Example #5
私の趣味は料理を作ることです。
Example #6
毎日ウォーキングをすることにしている。
Example #7
子どもの頃、私の夢は歌手になることでした。
Example #8
宿題をすることができなかった。
View all JLPT N4 Grammar Lessons

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