Translation guide
The English word 'since' has two main uses: indicating a time from a past point until now, and giving a reason. These are expressed differently in Japanese. For time, use 〜から or 〜以来. For reason, use 〜ので, 〜から, or other patterns depending on formality and nuance.
since (time)
since (reason, polite)
since (reason, casual)
Expressing that something has been true or happening from a specific time in the past up to the present.
Attach to a noun or time expression to mean 'since'. Used with states or ongoing actions. Often paired with 〜ている.
I have been studying Japanese since last year.
It has been raining since morning.
More formal than 〜から. Often used with nouns or 〜て以来. Emphasizes the span of time since an event.
I haven't seen him since graduation.
I have been living in this town ever since I came to Japan.
Adds emphasis on continuity ('ever since'). Used with 〜ている.
I have been playing the piano ever since I was a child.
Means 'after doing' or 'since doing', but focuses on the sequence of actions rather than a continuous state. Often used with past tense.
It's been five years since I came to Japan.
Giving a reason or cause for something.
Soft, explanatory 'since/because'. Used in polite speech and when the reason is seen as objective or natural. Attach to plain form of verbs/adjectives.
Since it's raining, I won't go out.
Since tomorrow is a holiday, I'll go see a movie.
More subjective or direct than 〜ので. Often used in casual speech, or when giving personal reasons, excuses, or strong assertions.
Since it's cold, close the window.
Formal, often written. Used for objective cause-and-effect, especially in news or reports. Can also mean 'for the purpose of'.
Very formal, used in academic or official contexts to indicate cause. Often translates to 'due to' or 'as a result of'.
Implies a positive reason or thanks to something. 'Thanks to...' or 'since (good thing)'. Can be used sarcastically.
Thanks to you, I was saved. / Since you helped, I'm okay.
〜ので is softer and more polite, often used when the reason is beyond the speaker's control or when making a request politely. 〜から is more direct and subjective, common in casual speech or when emphasizing personal opinion. In formal writing, 〜ため is preferred.
I was late because the train was delayed. (objective, polite)
I was late 'cause the train was delayed. (casual, direct)
The particle から can mean both 'since (time)' and 'because'. Context usually makes it clear. When attached to a time noun, it's temporal; when attached to a clause ending in a plain form, it's causal.
The meeting is from 3 o'clock. (time)
時間がないから、急ごう。
Since we don't have time, let's hurry.
Trains stopped due to the typhoon.
Significant damage occurred due to the earthquake.
Since I'm tired, I'll sleep. (reason)