というものだ
(Toiu mono da)
that's what X is / that's (the nature of) X.
Connection rules
- ＋Plain-form clause + というものだ; noun + というものだ.
- ＋Evaluative / normative — 'that's the nature of it'.
- ＋Often preceded by a definition or statement the speaker is reframing.
Examples
1.
困っている人を助けるのが友情というものだ。
Koma te iru hito o tasukeru no ga yuujou toiu mono da.
Helping a friend in need — that's what friendship is.
「that's what X is / that's (the nature of) X」
2.
それが現実というものだ。
Sore ga genjitsu toiu mono da.
That's what reality is.
「that's what X is / that's (the nature of) X」
Practice
Asking for more after receiving so much help—that's what I call being selfish.
これほど助けてもらっておきながら、まだ不満を言うのは___。
Romaji also accepted