Japanese grammar

What does ~ものですから mean? Japanese grammar N2

~ものですから means because, you see… (explaining/making an excuse).

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)N2
StructurePlain form + ものですから
Romajimonodesukara
Meaningbecause, you see… (explaining/making an excuse)

Forming it

Connectionplain form + ものですから

How to use it

States a reason of a JUSTIFYING nature — hoping for the listener's understanding. Polite, somewhat soft.

  • 「~ものですから」 = because of A (hoping for understanding). Used when explaining or apologizing.
  • Softer and more justifying in nuance than plain 「から/ので」.
  • The casual contracted form is 「~もんですから」.

Examples

  • I was late because the road was crowded.

  • I have only just come to Japan, so I am not used to it yet.

Keep in mind

  • Used when justifying/apologizing.
  • Softer than 「から/ので」.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong道(みち)が混(こ)んだものですので遅(おく)れた。

    Correct道(みち)が混(こ)んでいたものですから遅(おく)れた。

    Don't stack ものですから with ので; choose only one causal connector.

Exam tips

  • 「ものですから」 = because (justification, hoping for understanding); softer than 「ので」.

Related patterns

All N2 grammar →