Translation guide
The English preposition 'from' indicates a starting point in space, time, or origin. In Japanese, it is expressed with particles like から, より, and others depending on context. This guide covers the most common patterns for expressing 'from' naturally.
Indicate where or when something begins.
The most common way to say 'from' a place or time. Attach から directly to a noun.
I will go from Tokyo to Osaka by bullet train.
The meeting starts from 3 o'clock.
Formal or written equivalent of から, often used in announcements or formal writing.
From today, business hours will change.
Indicate where something comes from or its origin.
Used for physical origin, source of information, or material.
This wine comes from France.
Indicate the beginning of a range, change, or transformation.
Used for a span from one point to another, often with time or area.
Indicate the cause or basis for something.
Expresses subjective reason or cause, often with personal judgment.
From my experience, that's difficult.
Indicate what something is made from.
Used when the material is not obvious or has undergone a chemical change.
Wine is made from grapes.
Express 'from' in the sense of keeping away or separating.
To protect from something.
Both mean 'from', but から is the default in everyday speech. より is more formal and often used in written announcements or set phrases like '心より' (from the heart).
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
In English, we say 'I'm from America', but in Japanese, you often use 出身 (しゅっしん) or simply state your country with です. Saying 'アメリカから来ました' is correct but can sound like you just arrived. Use 出身 for permanent origin.
I heard that story from a friend.
Specifically for a person's origin (hometown, country, school).
He is from Osaka.
Suffix meaning 'made in/from', used for products.
a car made in Japan (a car from Japan)
It will rain from tomorrow to the day after tomorrow.
Clear start and end points for distance, time, or quantity.
It's a 10-minute walk from here to the station.
Emphasizes direction of change or movement.
The price went up from 1000 yen to 2000 yen.
Indicates cause or means, often in formal contexts.
Many buildings collapsed from the earthquake.
Casual way to express cause, often with illness or natural phenomena.
I was absent from school due to a cold.
Used when the material is still recognizable (e.g., wood, metal).
This desk is made from wood.
Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays.
To keep something away from something else.
Keep children away from danger.