Lesson 22

Learning Japanese with Minna no Nihongo? In Lesson 22, you will learn how to ask and give reasons using 〜んです. This is useful when you want to explain something or ask someone why something happened. It's a very natural way to speak in daily conversations.

This article will explain the grammar, give useful vocabulary, and show example sentences. Don’t worry — we will keep everything simple and beginner-friendly!

Lesson
Minna no Nihongo 22

🎯 Focus
Giving reasons (〜んです)

🎓 Level
Beginner

🤔

Learn to Give Reasons in Japanese

📘 Vocabulary

• つごう (tsugou) – Convenience
• ようじ (youji) – Errand / Personal matter
• かぜ (kaze) – Cold (sickness)
• おなか (onaka) – Stomach
• いたい (itai) – Painful / Hurt
• どうしましたか – What happened?
• 〜んです – (Explain / ask reason)

🧠 Grammar Point

The main grammar in this lesson is:

〜んです
This is used to explain something or ask for an explanation.

Example 1:
おなかが いたいんです。 → My stomach hurts (That’s why).

Example 2:
どうしたんですか。 → What happened? / What’s wrong?

💬 Example Sentences

• どうしたんですか。 → What happened?
• つごうが わるいんです。 → It’s not a good time for me.
• かぜを ひいたんです。 → I caught a cold.
• ようじが あるんです。 → I have something to do.

📝 Tips for Practice

• Try asking your friends "どうしたんですか" in practice.
• Make short sentences with 〜んです to explain your reason.
• Record your voice and listen to improve pronunciation.
• Use these phrases in real-life situations when possible.

📚 What’s Next?

In Lesson 23, you will learn how to give permission or say no to something. But first, practice Lesson 22 well. Learning how to give reasons using 〜んです will help you sound natural and polite in Japanese.

Note: This article is for beginners using Minna no Nihongo. Take it step by step, and enjoy learning Japanese!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is 〜んです polite?
Yes, it’s polite and commonly used in both formal and casual speech.

Q2: Can I use 〜んです in questions?
Yes! For example: *どうしたんですか？* → What happened?

Q3: Is this grammar important?
Very important. It’s used a lot in daily conversations in Japan.

Q4: How can I practice more?
Use flashcards, listen to example videos, and speak with others.