Processing keyword: それから、～ (sorekara、～)

Japanese Grammar Point: それから、～ (sorekara、～)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point それから、～ (sorekara, ~). This expression is commonly used in Japanese to indicate the sequence of events or to add information in conversations. Mastering それから will help you connect ideas smoothly and make your speech more natural.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

それから is a conjunction meaning "and then," "after that," or "in addition." It's used to:

• Indicate a sequence of actions or events.
• Add more information to what's been mentioned.

Meaning and Structure

• Meaning: "And then," "after that," "in addition"
• Function: Connects sentences or clauses to show sequence or addition.

Structure

[Sentence 1]。それから、[Sentence 2]。

Breakdown:

1. [Sentence 1]: The first action, event, or statement.
2. それから: Conjunction meaning "and then" or "after that."
3. [Sentence 2]: The subsequent action, event, or additional information.

Formation Diagram

Part	Role
Sentence 1	Initial action/event/information
それから	Conjunction ("and then"/"after that")
Sentence 2	Following action/event/additional info

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3. Comparative Analysis

それから vs. そして

Both それから and そして can be translated as "and then," but they have subtle differences:

• それから:
  • Emphasizes the sequence of events.
  • Often used when one action directly follows another.
• そして:
  • Simply connects sentences, adding information without emphasizing sequence.
  • Can be used for dramatic effect or to list items. Example:
• それから: 朝ごはんを食べました。それから、学校へ行きました。
  • "I ate breakfast. After that, I went to school."
• そして: 空は暗くなった。そして、雨が降り始めた。
  • "The sky became dark. And then, it started to rain."

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 買い物に行きました。それから、友達に会いました。
   • Translation: "I went shopping. After that, I met a friend."
2. まず勉強します。それから、テレビを見ます。
   • Translation: "First, I'll study. Then, I'll watch TV."
3. 昼ごはんを食べました。それから、図書館で本を読みました。
   • Translation: "I had lunch. Then, I read a book at the library."
4. 日本語を勉強しています。それから、日本の文化にも興味があります。
   • Translation: "I'm studying Japanese. In addition, I'm interested in Japanese culture."

Formal and Informal Usage

• Formal:
  • 報告書を作成します。それから、上司に提出します。
    • "I'll prepare the report. After that, I'll submit it to my supervisor."
• Informal:
  • 映画を見た。それから、カフェでお茶した。
    • "I watched a movie. Then, had tea at a cafe."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese conversation, using connectors like それから helps maintain the flow and clarity of speech, which is highly valued in Japanese communication. It shows logical progression and thoughtfulness.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• それから is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal settings.
• Adjust the surrounding language to match the level of politeness needed.

Idiomatic Expressions

While それから itself is straightforward, it's essential to use it appropriately to sound natural. Overuse or misuse might make the conversation sound stiff or unnatural.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using それから without proper context:
   • Incorrect: 彼は学生です。それから、日本に住んでいます。
   • Explanation: If there's no sequential or additional relationship, それから may not be appropriate.
2. Confusing それから with でも (but):
   • Incorrect: 天気はいいです。それから、寒いです。
   • Correction: 天気はいいです。でも、寒いです。
   • Explanation: Use でも when expressing contrast.

Learning Strategies

• Practice Sequencing Activities:
  • Describe your daily routine using それから to connect actions.
• Create Story Chains:
  • With friends or classmates, take turns adding sentences using それから to build a story.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• それから is used to indicate sequence or add information.
• It translates to "and then," "after that," or "in addition."
• Helps make speech more cohesive and logical.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does それから mean?
2. How do you use それから to connect two sentences?
3. What's the difference between それから and そして?

Answers

1. It means "and then," "after that," or "in addition."
2. By placing それから between two sentences to show sequence: [Sentence 1]。それから、[Sentence 2]。
3. それから emphasizes sequence or addition, while そして simply connects sentences without emphasizing order.

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By incorporating それから into your conversations, you'll be able to express sequences and add information smoothly, enhancing your overall communication skills in Japanese.

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