Translation guide
The English word 'since' has two main uses: indicating a time starting point ('from a past time until now') and giving a reason ('because'). This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Expressing that something has been true or has continued from a specific time in the past up to the present.
Attach から to a noun or time expression to mark the starting point. Often used with 〜ている to indicate an ongoing state or action.
私は2010年から日本に住んでいます。
I have been living in Japan since 2010.
彼は朝からずっと働いている。
He has been working since morning.
Giving a reason or cause for something.
Attaches to the plain form of verbs/adjectives. Softer and more explanatory than から. Common in polite speech.
雨が降っているので、試合は中止です。
Since it's raining, the game is canceled.
Both mean 'because', but ので is softer and more polite. から can sound like you're strongly asserting a reason. In formal writing or business, ので is safer.
電車が遅れたので、遅刻しました。
Since the train was late, I was late. (polite explanation)
電車が遅れたから、遅刻した。
Since the train was late, I was late. (casual/blunt)
In English, 'since' can be ambiguous. In Japanese, the structures are different. Use から/以来 for time, and ので/から for reason. Mixing them up can cause confusion.
More formal than から. Attaches to nouns or the て-form of verbs. Emphasizes that something has continued since that point.
卒業以来、彼に会っていない。
I haven't seen him since graduation.
日本に来て以来、毎日日本語を勉強している。
Since coming to Japan, I have been studying Japanese every day.
Adds emphasis on continuity ('ever since'). Use after a time expression.
子供の頃からずっとピアノを習っています。
I have been learning piano ever since I was a child.
Since tomorrow is a day off, would you like to go see a movie?
Also means 'because'. More direct and subjective than ので. Can sound blunt or childish if overused in formal situations.
もう遅いから、帰ろう。
Since it's late, let's go home.
彼は忙しいから、手伝えない。
Since he's busy, he can't help.
Formal/literary. Used in official announcements or writing. Can also mean 'for the purpose of', so context is important.
台風のため、電車が止まっています。
Since there is a typhoon, the trains are stopped.