Translation guide
The English word 'because' introduces a reason or cause. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is から (kara), but other forms like ので (node), ため (tame), and て (te) are used depending on formality, politeness, and sentence structure. This guide covers the main ways to express 'because' in Japanese, organized by usage.
Express a reason or cause in everyday conversation or informal writing.
Attach to the plain form of verbs, i-adjectives, na-adjectives (add だ), and nouns (add だ). This is the most common and versatile way to say 'because'. It can be used at the end of a sentence or before the main clause.
Because it's raining, I won't go out.
Because I'm tired, I'll go to bed early.
Used to list multiple reasons, often implying there are other reasons too. It can soften the statement. Attach to plain form.
It's raining, and it's cold, so let's stay home. (Implies these are some of the reasons.)
Express a reason in polite conversation, business settings, or formal writing.
Attach to the plain form of verbs, i-adjectives, na-adjectives (add な), and nouns (add な). It sounds softer and more polite than から. Often used when the reason is an objective fact or when making a polite request.
Express 'because of [noun]' or 'due to [noun]'.
Used to blame something or someone for a negative outcome. It carries a nuance of fault. Attach to a noun or plain form of verb/adjective + の.
Using せい for positive outcomes is unnatural. Use おかげで for positive reasons.
Express a reason or cause using the te-form of verbs/adjectives, often implying a natural consequence or emotional reaction.
The te-form can indicate a reason when followed by expressions of emotion, gratitude, apology, or inability. It is not a direct 'because' but often translates that way.
Provide an explanation or reason in a conversational, explanatory tone.
Used to explain a reason or situation, often in response to a question or to provide context. んです is spoken, のです is written/formal. Attach to plain form (na-adj/noun + な).
Start a new sentence with 'because of that' or 'therefore'.
Casual conjunction meaning 'so' or 'therefore'. Used at the beginning of a sentence.
から is more subjective and direct, often used for personal reasons or strong assertions. ので is more objective and polite, often used for factual reasons or when making requests. In formal writing, ので is preferred. In casual speech, から is more common.
Close the window because it's cold. (direct, casual)
I didn't go because I was sick.
Because the train was late, I was late.
Because I'm busy tomorrow, please do it by today.
Used in formal writing or speech. It can express cause/reason (often negative outcomes) or purpose. For reason, attach to plain form of verbs/adjectives. に is often omitted in causal usage.
Because of the typhoon, the trains stopped.
Because there was an accident, I was late.
Because of the rain, the picnic was canceled. (blaming the rain)
Used to express gratitude or a positive reason. 'Thanks to [noun]'. Attach to a noun or plain form + の.
Thanks to you, I succeeded.
Neutral/formal 'because of [noun]'. Often used in news or formal contexts.
Because of the snow, school was closed.
I'm happy because I could meet you.
Sorry for being late (because I was late).
Why were you late? — Because the train was late.
I have a headache (explaining why I look unwell).
It's raining today. So, I'll take an umbrella.
Polite version of だから.
The train was late. Therefore, I was late.
Formal 'for that reason' or 'because of that'. Used in writing or formal speech.
Demand increased. Because of that, prices rose.
寒いので、窓を閉めていただけますか。
Could you close the window because it's cold? (polite request)
なぜなら (nazenara) means 'because' but is very formal and literary. It is rarely used in everyday conversation. Stick to から or ので for most situations.
The te-form can express a reason when followed by words like 嬉しい (happy), 悲しい (sad), 困る (be troubled), 助かる (be helped), etc. It often implies a cause-and-effect relationship without explicitly saying 'because'.
Because it's a holiday, the store is closed.
Thanks to your help, I finished early.