気になっていた
ki ni natte ita
The English phrase "I was wondering" is expressed in Japanese as 気になっていた (ki ni natte ita).
This phrase is used to express that something has been a source of curiosity, concern or preoccupation over a period of time leading up to the present.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ki (spirit/mind), ni (particle), natte (becoming) and ita (was), literally meaning 'it had become on my mind'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form 気になっていました should be used when speaking to superiors or strangers instead of the dictionary form 気になっていた.
How do you pronounce it?
ki ni natte ita
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the phrase can describe a physical sensation, such as a tingling or itching sensation that has been present on your skin.
- If you use this phrase to describe a person, it can shift from 'I was wondering about them' to 'They were bothering/disturbing me' depending on the context.
- Using this phrase is a common social strategy in Japan to avoid being too direct. By framing a request as something you 'were wondering' about, you soften the demand and allow the other person to decline more easily.
Examples in context
- お時間をいただけますか？教えていただきたいことがありますが。Could I have a moment of your time? There's something I was wondering about.
- この映画のタイトル、教えてもらいたいんだけどI was wondering if you could tell me the title of this movie.
- 明日、何をしているかちょっと聞きたいんだけどI was wondering what you are doing tomorrow.
- ずっと気になっていたことがあります。Zutto ki ni natte ita koto ga arimasu.There is something I have been wondering about for a long time.
- そのニュースがずっと気になっていた。Sono nyūsu ga zutto ki ni natte ita.I was wondering about that news.
- 使い方がずっと気になっていたんです。Tsukaikata ga zutto ki ni natte ita n desu.I was wondering how to use it.
Example conversation
At a cafe, Yui asks Hiroto about a book he is reading.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さん、その本、ずっと気になっていたんです。Hiroto-san, sono hon, zutto ki ni natte ita n desu.Hiroto, I have been wondering about that book.
- 大翔 Hirotoああ、これ？面白いよ。Aa, kore? Omoshiroi yo.Oh, this? It's interesting.
- 結衣 Yuiどんな内容ですか？Donna naiyō desu ka?What is it about?
- 大翔 Hiroto歴史についての物語だよ。Rekishi ni tsuite no monogatari da yo.It's a story about history.
