のは～の方だ
It is...that..., It is...who..., ...is the one that..., ...is the one who...
Structure
な-Adjective+ な + のは + Noun + の方だ
Noun + な + のは + Noun + の方だ
Explanation
のは～の方だ is a pattern used to clarify that it is (B) that did/is (A), often for emphasis or to correct a misunderstanding. It can be understood as 'it's (B) who/that (A)'. This grammar point is formed by these components:
のは - This combination turns the preceding clause into a noun phrase. The particle は serves to emphasize this phrase as the topic.
の方 - A pairing of the possessive case marking particle の and the noun 方, which signifies a 'side' or 'option'.
だ (or です) - The auxiliary verb used to state a fact or judgment.
A direct translation of this grammar is close to 'the one that is (A) is on the side of (B)'. By framing it this way, the statement becomes softer and less direct than simply asserting that something 'is (B)'.
To construct a sentence with this grammar, add のは to the end of a verb or adjective phrase, followed by a noun + の方だ. Keep in mind that when a noun comes before のは, it becomes なのは.
- 遅刻したのは僕の方だから、みんなに謝っておくね。I'm the one who was late, so I'll apologize to everyone.
- このケーキを食べたのは妹の方だ！僕じゃないよ！My little sister is the one who ate this cake! It wasn't me!
Fun Fact
This grammar is frequently used when making an apology, as a way to take full responsibility for a negative situation. It emphasizes that the speaker believes they are the one at fault.
- 悪いのは僕の方ですよ。あなたは何もしていません。I'm the one who's in the wrong. You haven't done anything.
Examples
ピアノが上手なのは妹の方だ。
My little sister is the one who is good at piano.
新しいキャプテンになるのはケンタくんの方だといいな。
I hope that Kenta is the one who will become the new captain.
最後にケーキを食べたのは弟の方だよ！
My little brother was the one who ate the last piece of cake!
ずっと会いたかったのは、君の方だよ。
You are the one I've wanted to meet all this time.
私が欲しいのは、青いカバンじゃなくて赤いの方だ。
The red one is the one I want, not the blue bag.
窓ガラスを割ったのは私の方だから、彼を叱らないでください。
I was the one who broke the windowpane, so please don't scold him.
先生：「背が高いのは田中くんの方だ。でも、足が速いのは鈴木くんの方だ。」
Teacher: 'Tanaka-kun is the one who is taller. However, Suzuki-kun is the one who is faster.'
この二つのレストランでは、サービスが良いのは駅前の店の方だ。
Between these two restaurants, it is the one in front of the station that has better service.
先に約束を破ったのは、あなたの方じゃないか。
You're the one who broke the promise first, aren't you?
警察官：「犯人はあの男か？」
目撃者：「いいえ、私が見たのはメガネをかけた男の方だと思います。」
Police Officer: 'Is that man the culprit?'
Witness: 'No, I believe the man with glasses is the one I saw.'
ねえ、昨日の夜テレビをつけっぱなしで寝たのはお父さんの方でしょう？
Hey Dad, you were the one who fell asleep with the TV on last night, weren't you?
「遅れてごめん！」
「ううん、場所を間違えて伝えたのはこっちの方だから、気にしないで。」
'Sorry I'm late!'
'No, no, I'm the one who told you the wrong place, so don't worry about it.'