Japanese grammar
What does ~から(reason) mean? Japanese grammar N5
~から(reason) means because ~, so ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 文 から、文 |
| Romaji | ~ kara |
| Meaning | because ~, 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
今日は寒いから、うちにいます。
Since it is cold today, I will stay home.
時間がありませんから、急ぎましょう。
We have no time, so let us hurry.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongから寒い、うちにいます。
Correct寒いから、うちにいます。
から comes AFTER the reason, not before it like "because" in Vietnamese.