Explaining with んです
Use んです to add explanation, background, or a softer personal reason in natural beginner Japanese.
What んです adds
んです often adds background, explanation, or a personal reason. The facts may stay the same, but the tone feels more connected to the situation or listener.
おなかが痛いんです。
My stomach hurts, you see.
The speaker is not just stating a fact; they are explaining their condition.
明日テストがあるんです。
I have a test tomorrow, actually.
The speaker gives background for what they are thinking or doing.
今日は休みなんです。
Today is a day off, you know.
With nouns, the explanatory ending becomes なんです in the surface form.
Practice guides for this lesson
Use these hub pages to connect this lesson with related reading practice and grammar paths.
N5 Japanese grammar lessons
Use the N5 Japanese grammar lessons guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.
Open guideJapanese grammar practice
Use the Japanese grammar practice guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.
Open guideJapanese grammar lessons
Use the Japanese grammar lessons guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.
Open guide