GRAMMAR DETAIL
～なんて
Follows a plain form to express surprise that the preceding fact or action is unexpected.
Examples
こんな難しい問題が解けるなんて、すごいね。
It is amazing that you can solve such a difficult problem.
Words used
自分だけでこの山に登るなんて、私には考えられません。
I cannot imagine climbing this mountain all by myself.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Content being reacted to or evaluated takes
なんて. - Basic usage:
こんな難しい問題が解けるなんて、すごいね。expresses admiration at being able to solve such a difficult problem.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Meaning of the potential form
解けるなんてfocuses the reaction on the ability to solve it, while解いたなんてfocuses it on the act of having solved it. Preserve the inflection beforeなんてin the interpretation.
- Surprise and a belittling tone
一人で登るなんてcan express surprise or disbelief, depending on context. After a noun, as in私なんて, it can also be self-deprecating rather than always complimentary.