Translation guide
The English word 'hence' is a formal adverb meaning 'for this reason' or 'therefore'. It is used to introduce a logical consequence. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on formality, whether it's spoken or written, and the strength of the causal link.
Introduce a result or conclusion based on the previous statement, typically in formal or written contexts.
Standard formal conjunction meaning 'therefore' or 'consequently'. Used in academic, business, and formal writing.
彼は証拠を隠した。したがって、有罪とみなされた。
He hid the evidence; hence, he was considered guilty.
Literary or mathematical 'therefore'. Often used in logic, philosophy, or very formal writing. Can sound archaic in daily speech.
Slightly more emphatic than ゆえに alone, meaning 'for that reason'. Used in formal arguments.
Express 'so' or 'that's why' in everyday conversation.
Most common casual 'so' or 'therefore'. Used in spoken Japanese to connect cause and effect.
雨が降ってる。だから、傘を持って行ったほうがいいよ。
It's raining; hence, you'd better take an umbrella.
Polite or neutral 'so'. Often used in semi-formal speech or writing, softer than だから.
電車が遅れています。なので、少し遅刻します。
The train is delayed; hence, I'll be a little late.
Indicate a result without strong formality or casualness.
Neutral 'for that reason' or 'because of that'. Suitable for both speech and writing.
需要が増えた。そのため、価格が上がった。
Demand increased; hence, prices rose.
Common 'and so' or 'because of that'. Often used in narratives or explanations.
Express 'from now' or 'from this time', as in 'five years hence'. This usage is rare in modern English and even rarer in Japanese equivalents.
Literally 'from now'. Used for future time references, but not a direct translation of 'hence' in this sense.
今から5年後には、状況が変わっているだろう。
Five years hence, the situation will have changed.
Means 'from now on' or 'in the future'. More natural than trying to translate 'hence' directly.
今後10年間の計画を立てる。
We make plans for the decade hence.
Do not try to translate 'hence' word-for-word. Japanese uses conjunctions like だから or したがって at the beginning of a sentence, or connects clauses with ので/から. There is no single adverb that works in all cases.
だから is casual, なので is polite/neutral, したがって is formal/written. Choose based on context. Using したがって in casual speech sounds stiff.
疲れた。だから、もう寝る。
I'm tired; hence, I'm going to bed. (casual)
疲れました。なので、もう寝ます。
I'm tired; hence, I'm going to bed. (polite)
I think, hence I am.
This plan is high-risk; hence, it should not be carried out.
The roads were crowded; hence, I was late.