Japanese grammar
What does ～ゆえに mean? Japanese grammar N2
～ゆえに means because of; owing to (written style).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form／Nの + ゆえに |
| Romaji | yueni |
| Meaning | because of; owing to (written style) |
Forming it
| Connection | plain form／Nの + ゆえに |
|---|
How to use it
States a reason in a formal, LITERARY style. An archaic-style form of 「から／ので」.
- 「～ゆえに」 = therefore, because. Very formal, often found in argumentative or legal writing.
- Nouns connect with 「の」 or directly: 「貧しさゆえに」, 「病気のゆえに」.
- As a modifier it becomes 「ゆえの＋N」; a more emphatic form is 「がゆえに」 (N1).
Examples
若さゆえに、失敗することもある。
Because of youth, one sometimes makes mistakes.
重要な問題であるがゆえに、慎重に決めたい。
Because it is an important issue, I want to decide carefully.
Keep in mind
- Very formal, not used in conversation.
- As a modifier: 「ゆえの＋N」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong重要な問題だゆえに慎重だ。
Correct重要な問題であるがゆえに慎重だ。
In written style, nouns/na-adjectives usually connect with であるがゆえに.
Exam tips
- 「ゆえに」 = therefore/because (formal written style); as a modifier 「ゆえの＋N」.