Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N4 · Intermediate 1
こんな・そんな・あんな・どんなkonna, sonna, anna, donna
this, that, what kind
These words go before a noun to describe or ask what kind of thing or method it is.
How it works
Use these words to describe what something is like, its degree, or the way it is done.
For the same method, use 「こんな」 when showing it yourself and 「そんな」 when responding to what the other person said.
At the top, 「あんな」 refers to a known way of doing things; below, 「どんな」 asks about details not yet known.
All four words go directly before a noun, as in 「こんな方法」. Do not add 「の」 between them.
「この方法」 points to this particular method; 「こんな方法」 emphasizes a method of this kind.
「そんな」 can also describe things of that kind near the listener. It depends on the speaker’s viewpoint.
In the example, 「あんな時間の使い方」 can also refer to a way of managing time that both people know; it need not be far away.
The example uses 「どんな工夫」 to ask about specific things someone does. An answer can describe exercise, diet, and so on.
Example sentences
- こんなkonna生活seikatsuをo続けtsuzukeてteいたら、itara、体karadaにni悪いwaruiとto思います。＋omoimasu。
In a conversation
Check yourself
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
This kind of habit of going to bed early and getting up early seems good for your health.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
____早寝早起きの習慣は、体によさそうです。
This habit of going to bed early and waking up early seems good for your health.
More grammar in this theme
- こんな・そんな・あんな・どんなthis, that, what kind