Plain form + とききました (I heard that [Plain form])

📝 Quick Summary

This grammar pattern connects a clause in its Plain Form (Verbs, い-adjectives, な-adjectives + だ, Nouns + だ) to とききました to express “I heard that…” or “I was told that…”. It allows you to share information that you personally heard from a person, phone call, or source.

Structure: [Plain Form] + とききました
Example 1: やまださんに、あしたは やすみだ とききました (I heard from Yamada-san that tomorrow is a holiday).
Example 2: たなかさんは らいげつ けっこんする とききました (I heard that Tanaka-san is getting married next month).

💡 Raya’s Hack

〜とききました vs. 〜そうです
Both express hearsay, but they have subtle nuances in usage:

– 〜とききました: Emphasizes that you personally heard it from someone or somewhere (often paired with [Person] に / から – “I heard from [X] that…”).
– 〜そうです: General reported hearsay (“They say that…”, “It is reported that…”).

Connection Rule: Remember that present affirmative Na-adjectives and Nouns MUST keep the plain copula だ (da) before to kikimashita (e.g., 休みだ とききました)!

🚧 Joy’s Mistake

🔥 Layer C: Retrieval Practice Loop

Retrieve and apply! Express personal hearsay with Plain Form. (Hiragana and English only)

Level 1: Structure Building (Plain Form + とききました)

Level 2: Full Sentences