GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜ものではない
Warns against behavior that should not be done according to common sense or morality.
Examples
腹が立っても人を傷つけるものではない。
Even when you are angry, you should not hurt others.
Words used
人の秘密を軽く話すものではない。
You should not casually reveal someone else's secret.
Words used
約束を簡単に破るものではありません。
You should not break a promise so easily.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: After a dictionary-form verb,
ものではないadmonishes against behavior by invoking common sense or moral standards. - Basic usage:
人の秘密を軽く話すものではない。gives a moral warning against casually revealing someone else's secret.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- An admonition versus a specific prohibition
人を笑うものではないappeals to a shared principle against ridiculing others.てはいけないcan also directly convey a rule or prohibition in a specific setting, as inここで写真を撮ってはいけない.