Japanese grammar

What does ~から(reason) mean? Japanese grammar N5

~から(reason) means because ~, so ~.

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)N5
Structure文 から、文
Romaji~ kara
Meaningbecause ~, so ~

How to use it

States a (subjective) reason.

  • から states a reason and comes AFTER the reason clause: 「寒いから、コートを着ます。」(Because it's cold, I wear a coat.)
  • The order is REVERSED from Vietnamese: Vietnamese says "Because A, so B", while Japanese says "A から B".
  • から is subjective (the speaker's opinion/intent). ので is more objective and softer.
  • It can also be reversed: 「コートを着ます。寒いですから。」

Examples

  • Since it is cold today, I will stay home.

  • We have no time, so let us hurry.

Common mistakes

  • Wrongから寒(さむ)い、うちにいます。

    Correct寒(さむ)いから、うちにいます。

    から comes AFTER the reason, not before it like "because" in Vietnamese.

Related patterns

All N5 grammar →