How to Say ‘So it was an obi’ in Japanese
帯だったんですね
obi datsu ta n desu ne
[OH-bee da tah n dess ne]
💬 Usage Tip: んですね here expresses "oh, I see", meaning you've just learned something: 学生だったんですね "oh, so you were a student".
Phrase Breakdown
帯
obi
[OH-bee]
obi; kimono sash
Wide sash worn with a kimono.
帯を締める。
Tie the obi.
だっ
datsu
[da]
was
The past form of 'is', indicating a past state of being.
彼は学生だった。
He was a student.
た
ta
[tah]
past tense ending
This ending completes the polite past tense form.
空席がございまし た。
There were vacant seats.
ん
n
[n]
explanatory tone
Adds explanation or background to what the speaker is saying.
写真のプロジェクトをしているんだ。
I'm doing a photography project, you know.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
ね
ne
[ne]
isn't it; right
Sentence-ending particle that seeks agreement or adds friendliness.
今日は暑いですね。
It's hot today, isn't it?
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