JLPT N3 grammar

〜たものmeaning and usage

Meaning

Shows past habit or action A that was done often

This point is also listed at N2.

How to form it

  • verb (ta-form)ものだ
  • verb (ta-form)もんだ

How it is used

Recalls, with nostalgia, something that used to happen often: 'I used to A'. Often with 「よく」 or 「昔は」. Only for repeated habits, not one-off events. Casual form: 「〜たもんだ」.

Examples

  1. 昔はこの空き地でも子供たちが遊んでいたものだ。

    In the old days kids used to play even in this vacant land.

  2. 子どものころは、よく川で魚をとったものだ。

    When I was a kid, I often used to catch fish in the river.

  3. 学生時代は、友達と朝まで話したものです。

    In my student days, I used to talk with friends until morning.