The thing is in Japanese

Definition

Definition in EnglishA construction that presents explanatory background and leaves an opening for a request or the listener's response. Its linking element can soften the transition without expressing a literal contrast.

Definition in Japanese理由や事情を先に伝えて、お願いや相談につなげる表現。

Example sentences

• 駅(えき)に行(い)きたいんですが、道(みち)を教(おし)えてもらえますか？🔊

  I'd like to get to the station—could you tell me the way?

• 駅(えき)に行(い)きたいんだけど、道(みち)を教(おし)えてくれる？🔊

  The thing is, I want to go to the station—can you tell me the way?

Learn it in a lesson

• Explanatory Endings in Japanese

the thing is in other languages

• What the thing is means
• In Portuguese
• In French