そんな
Such a・Kind of, Something like ~
Structure
こんな + Noun
あんな + Noun
どんな + Noun
Explanation
In informal speech, a very frequent method to describe something as being 'like' another thing is by using そんな, こんな, あんな, or the interrogative どんな. These words are actually shortened versions of the more formal expressions そのような, このような, あのような, and どのような.
To apply this informal expression, place it immediately before the noun you wish to describe or ask about.
- そんな鞄はいらない。I don't need a bag like that.
- こんな難しい問題は分からないよ。I can't figure out a problem this difficult.
- あんな家に住んでみたい。I'd love to try living in a house like that one.
- どんな音楽を聞きますか？What kind of music do you listen to?
Since these expressions are derived from a longer (more formal) structure, you can use the original form in contexts where a more polite tone is required.
- そのような規則はございません。We do not have a rule like that.
- このような服装でも大丈夫ですか。Is an outfit like this okay?
- あのような行動はやめてください。Please stop behaving like that.
- どのような手順が必要ですか？What kind of procedure is required?
Examples
どんな映画が好きですか。
What kind of movies do you like?
そんな話は信じられない。
A story like that is unbelievable. (close to listener)
こんな難しい本でいいの。
Is a book as difficult as this okay? (close to speaker)
こんなケーキはいつもおいしい。
A cake like this is always delicious. (close to speaker)
あんな建物は怖そうに見える。
A building like that one over there looks scary. (far from both speaker and listener)
そんな顔をしないでください。
Please don't make a face like that. (Close to listener)
住むなら、あんな家がいいなあ。
If I were going to live somewhere, a house like that one would be nice. (Away from both speaker and listener)
探していたのはこんな写真でしたか。
Was this kind of picture what you were looking for? (close to speaker)
あんな人とは一緒に働きたくない。
I don't want to work with that kind of person. (Away from both speaker and listener)
サラダを作るけど、ドレッシングはこんな感じでよかった？
I'm making a salad, was this kind of dressing alright? (close to speaker)
結婚式にそんな靴を履いていくべきじゃない。
You shouldn't wear shoes like that to a wedding. (Close to listener)
あんなドレスは私には絶対に似合わない。
A dress like that would absolutely never look good on me. (Away from both speaker and listener)