それでSo; and then
それで connects a situation with the result that followed, or picks up known background and moves a conversation or story to its next step.
Connecting circumstances to a result
The first sentence gives the reason or circumstances, and the next sentence tells you what followed. The connection may be translated as “so,” “because of that,” or simply “and then,” depending on the context.
電車が遅れていました。それで、会議に間に合いませんでした。
The train was delayed, so I did not make it to the meeting on time.
AnalyzeThe delay is presented as the circumstances leading to the missed meeting.
駅の近くに新しいカフェができましたね。それで、もう行きましたか。
A new cafe opened near the station, right? So, have you been there yet?
AnalyzeHere the known background leads naturally to the next question.
Prompting someone to continue
In conversation, a short prompt asks the other person to continue the story. Depending on tone, it can mean “And then?” or “So what happened?”
Reporting a result or stating a conclusion
それで readily reports what resulted from earlier circumstances or keeps a story moving. だから more strongly foregrounds the speaker’s own conclusion or decision. Do not choose between them mechanically just because both can be translated as “so.”
More examples
朝から雪が降っていました。それで、道路が混んでいました。
It had been snowing since morning, so the roads were congested.
Analyze店はもう閉まっていました。それで、何も買えませんでした。
The store was already closed, so I could not buy anything.
Analyze体調がよくありませんでした。それで、昨日は早く寝ました。
I was not feeling well, so I went to bed early yesterday.
Analyze田中さんはその後、会社を辞めたんです。それで、新しい仕事は見つかったんですか。
Mr. Tanaka later left the company. So, did he find a new job?
Analyze予約がいっぱいでした。それで、来週に変更しました。
There were no available reservations, so I changed it to next week.
Analyze停電になりました。それで、部屋が真っ暗になりました。
The power went out, so the room became completely dark.
Analyze