したがってTherefore; consequently
したがって introduces a conclusion as the orderly or logical consequence of facts or conditions just stated. It is the formal, logic-focused equivalent of “therefore” or “consequently.”
A direct logical conclusion
すべての申請書には本人の署名が必要である。この書類には署名がない。したがって、このままでは受理できない。
Every application requires the applicant’s signature. This document has no signature. Therefore, it cannot be accepted as it is.
AnalyzeThe conclusion must follow from the evidence
したがって does more than say that one thing happened after another. The first statement supplies reasons or evidence, and the second states what can reasonably be concluded from them. The writer presents that connection as orderly and supportable, so this connective works especially well when developing a line of reasoning step by step.
In a report-like explanation
調査では、回答者の八割が開館時間の延長を求めた。現行案では開館時間は変わらない。したがって、この案が利用者の要望を十分に反映しているとは言えない。
In the survey, eighty percent of respondents requested longer opening hours. The current proposal does not change the opening hours. Therefore, the proposal cannot be said to reflect users’ wishes adequately.
AnalyzeFormal conclusion versus everyday conclusion
したがって suits an impersonal, carefully supported conclusion. だから is much more natural in everyday conversation and can readily introduce the speaker’s own decision, request, or reaction.
今日は締め切りだ。だから、今から仕上げる。
The deadline is today, so I’m going to finish it now.
AnalyzeThis is a natural personal conclusion in ordinary conversation; replacing the connective with the target would create a deliberately stiff, analytical tone.
Logical conclusion versus reported result
そのため and その結果 commonly report a causal consequence or an outcome. Use したがって when the point is that the conclusion follows logically from the stated facts, not simply that one event caused another.
More examples
契約に必要な書類が一部不足している。したがって、現時点では手続きを開始できない。
Some documents required for the contract are missing. Therefore, the procedure cannot be started at present.
Analyze三回の実験で同じ結果が得られた。したがって、単なる偶然とは考えにくい。
The same result was obtained in three experiments. Therefore, it is difficult to regard it as mere coincidence.
Analyze今年度の予算は前年度より二割少ない。したがって、すべての計画を予定どおり実施することは難しい。
This year’s budget is twenty percent lower than last year’s. Consequently, it will be difficult to carry out every plan as scheduled.
Analyzeこの製品は安全基準を満たしていない。従って、出荷を延期する。
This product does not meet the safety standards. Therefore, shipment will be postponed.
Analyze現段階では十分な証拠がない。したがって、その説が正しいと結論づけることはできない。
At this stage, there is insufficient evidence. Therefore, we cannot conclude that the theory is correct.
Analyze道路はすでに凍結している。したがって、通常の速度で走行するのは危険である。
The roads are already frozen. Therefore, driving at the usual speed is dangerous.
Analyze