Japanese Expressions for “Because“203

The Japanese language has a rich and nuanced vocabulary, and this is particularly evident in the many different ways to express "because" or "due to." The choice of which expression to use depends on the situation, the formality of the speech or writing, and the speaker's or writer's point of view.

Casual Expressions

In informal speech, the most common way to say "because" is kara (から). It is used in all situations, regardless of the politeness level. For example:
学校に行かないから、宿題をしなかった。（ gakkō ni ikanai kara, shukudai o shinakatta.） - I didn't do my homework because I didn't go to school.
雨が降っているから、傘を持っていく。（ ame ga futte iru kara, kasa o motte iku.） - I'm taking an umbrella because it's raining.

Another casual way to say "because" is node (ので). It is used when the reason is more important or significant than the result. For example:
雨が降っているので、傘を持っていく。（ ame ga futte node, kasa o motte iku.） - I'm taking an umbrella since it's raining.
彼は忙しくて時間がなかったので、来られなかった。（ kare wa isogashikute jikan ga nakatta node, kられなかった。 ） - He couldn't come because he was busy and didn't have time.

Node (ので) can also be used to indicate a purpose or reason. For example:
勉強するために、図書館に行った。（ benkyō suru node, toshokan ni itta.） - I went to the library in order to study.
早く帰るために、急いでいる。（ hayaku kaeru node, isoide iru.） - I'm in a hurry so that I can go home early.

Formal Expressions

In formal speech and writing, there are several more formal ways to express "because." One common expression is tame ni (ために), which is used to indicate a purpose or reason. For example:
明日の試験のために、勉強しています。（ ashita no shiken no tame ni, benkyō shite imasu.） - I'm studying in preparation for tomorrow's exam.
彼の健康のために、禁煙しました。（ kare no kenkō no tame ni, kinsen shimashita.） - I quit smoking for the sake of his health.

Another formal expression is yuen de (ゆえんで), which is used to indicate a more objective or impersonal reason. For example:
彼は優秀な成績ゆえんで、奨学金をもらった。（ kare wa yūshū na seiseki yuen de, shōgakukin o moratta.） - He received a scholarship due to the fact that he has excellent grades.
この政策は、国民の支持が得られなかったゆえんで、失敗した。（ kono seisaku wa, kokumin no shiji ga eられなかった yuen de, shippai shita.） - This policy failed because it did not receive public support.

Yuen de (ゆえんで) can also be used to indicate a logical conclusion or inference. For example:
雨が降っているゆえんで、外に出られない。（ ame ga futte iru yuen de, soto ni derarenai.） - I can't go outside since it's raining.

2025-01-31

Previous：Pronunciation of Korean Sisters

Next：Japanese Vegetable Kanji Reading App: Unlock the Meaning of Kanji Characters