(Adjective) + のは
The 'one' that... (Indefinite pronoun, Adjective nominalization)
Structure
［い］Adjective + の + は(1)
(1) が、も
Explanation
The particle の can be used to take the place of a noun that has either been mentioned before or is clear from the situation. This is much like using the phrase 'the one that (is A)' in English. When a な-Adjective is used to describe this noun, it must be followed by な before の.
- 美味しいのはこのケーキです。The one that is delicious is this cake.
- 綺麗なのはあの花です。The one that is pretty is that flower.
Following this use of の, the particles は, が, or も are typically used, each adding a different nuance to the sentence.
- 新しいのはこのカバンだ。The one that is new is this bag. (Making a general statement about the topic)
- 重いのがこの箱です。This is the one that is heavy. (Specifically identifying one from several choices)
- 甘いのも食べたいです。I also want to eat the one that is sweet.
Caution
の can be used more than once in the same sentence, while still relating to the same implied noun.
- そこにあるシャツの中で、欲しいのはこの黒いの。Among the shirts over there, the one that I want is this black one.
Examples
古いのはこの寺だ。
The one that is old is this temple.
静かなのは図書館です。
The one that is quiet is the library.
面白かったのはその映画だ。
The one that was interesting was that movie.
彼が上手なのは料理だけだ。
The only (one) thing that he is good at is cooking.
寒いのも平気だから、冬が好きだ。
I'm also fine with the cold, so I like winter.
私が買いたいのは青いの。
The one I want to buy is the blue one.
美味しいのは母が作ったケーキだ。
The one that is delicious is the cake my mom made.
便利なのは駅の近くの店。
The one that is convenient is the store near the station.
「この中で一番安いカバンはどれ？」
「赤いカバンが一番安いの。」
'Which is the cheapest bag among these?'
'The one that is the cheapest is the red bag.'
嬉しいのはあなたからの手紙だ。
The one that makes me happy is the letter from you.
届いたのは小さい箱です。
The one that arrived was a small box.
大切なのは家族と友達です。
The things (ones) that are important are family and friends.