Translation guide
Explains the reason or cause for a previously stated situation. In Japanese, this is often expressed with conjunctions like だから or なので, or by using the から or ので structure within a sentence.
The speaker states a reason or cause for something just mentioned, equivalent to 'that is why' or 'that's the reason'.
The most common and versatile way to say 'that is why'. Used in both casual and formal speech, though in very formal writing ですから is preferred.
昨日は雨だった。だから、試合は中止になった。
It rained yesterday. That is why the game was canceled.
Polite version of だから. Use in formal situations or when speaking politely.
A softer, more explanatory 'that is why'. Often used when the reason is a noun or na-adjective, but can also follow plain forms. Common in both speech and writing.
この店は人気がある。なので、いつも混んでいる。
This shop is popular. That is why it's always crowded.
A sentence-ending pattern that explicitly states the reason. Literally 'It is because...'. Use when you want to emphasize the reason as the answer to a question.
電車が遅れたからです。
That is why (I was late). / It's because the train was delayed.
Can mean 'and then' or 'so', but in some contexts it implies 'that is why'. Less direct than だから; often used to connect events naturally.
電車が遅れました。ですから、遅刻しました。
The train was delayed. That is why I was late.
The roads were congested. That is why I was late.