Japanese grammar
What does ～せいか mean? Japanese grammar N2
～せいか means perhaps because of (some negative cause).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form／Nの + せいか |
| Romaji | seika |
| Meaning | perhaps because of (some negative cause) |
Forming it
| Connection | plain form／Nの + せいか |
|---|
How to use it
States a GUESSED cause for an unfavorable result. The speaker is not certain.
- 「～せいか」 = perhaps because of A (so B). The 「か」 shows that the speaker is NOT sure whether that is really the cause.
- Different from 「～せいで」 (asserts the cause, assigns blame): 「せいか」 is only a guess.
- The result is usually negative; for a good result use 「おかげか」.
Examples
寝不足のせいか、頭が痛い。
Perhaps because of a lack of sleep, I have a headache.
雨が続いたせいか、客が少ない。
Maybe because the rain continued, there are few customers.
Keep in mind
- 「か」 = a guess, not certain.
- For a good result, use 「おかげか」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong寝不足せいか、頭が痛い。
Correct寝不足のせいか、頭が痛い。
A noun connects to せいか with の.
Exam tips
- 「せいか」 = perhaps because (a guess); 「せいで」 asserts the cause.