Japanese grammar
What does ～がゆえに mean? Japanese grammar N1
～がゆえに means precisely because…; due to….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 普通形 + がゆえに N + (である) + がゆえに |
| Romaji | gayueni |
| Meaning | precisely because…; due to… |
Forming it
| Noun | 若さ + がゆえに |
|---|---|
| Adjective/Verb | 真面目である + がゆえに |
How to use it
States a reason in a classical, formal literary style. Emphasizes a clear cause-and-effect relationship.
- 「～がゆえに」 = precisely because of A, B. A CLASSICAL literary form of 「～から／～ので」, very formal.
- The 「が」 here is an archaic particle (equivalent to 「の」), not a subject marker.
- The noun-modifying form is 「～がゆえの＋N」 (see 「～がゆえの～」).
Examples
若さがゆえに、彼は無謀な選択をした。
It was precisely because of his youth that he made a reckless choice.
真面目であるがゆえに、彼女は思い悩んでしまう。
It is precisely because she is so earnest that she agonizes.
Keep in mind
- Classical style, used only in formal written language.
- Modifier form: 「がゆえの＋N」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongおなかがすいたがゆえに、コンビニへ行った。
I was hungry, so I went to the convenience store.
Correctおなかがすいたので、コンビニへ行った。
「がゆえに」 is very formal/classical — it is not used for an everyday reason.
-
Wrong若さがゆえの、無謀な選択をした。
It was precisely because I was young that I made a reckless choice.
Correct若さがゆえに、無謀な選択をした。
Use 「がゆえに」 before a VERB; 「がゆえの」 can only precede a noun.
Exam tips
- 「がゆえに」 = precisely because (classical, formal); the modifying form is 「がゆえの＋N」.