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

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

Japanese Grammar Point: それから (sorekara)

1. Introduction

The phrase それから (sorekara) is an important Japanese conjunction that is used to connect sentences or phrases, indicating a sequence of actions. It translates to "and then," "after that," or "from then on" in English. Understanding how to use それから is essential for constructing coherent narratives or descriptions of events.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: それから indicates that one action occurs after another. It shows a progression in events.
• Structure:
  • それから + [action/event]
  • Often used after indicating a previous action or context.

Formation Diagram

[Event 1] それから [Event 2]

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Though それから is often used to indicate a sequence of actions, it can be compared to similar conjunctions:

• それで (sorede): Meaning "therefore," it expresses causation rather than sequence.
• そして (soshite): Also means "and then," but can be more formal and often used to add information rather than focusing strictly on the sequence.

  Grammar Point	Meaning	Usage Context
  それから	and then / after that	Sequence of actions
  それで	therefore	Cause or result
  そして	and then / and also	Addition or continuation

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 昨日、友達と映画を見ました。それから、食事に行きました。
   • (Kinō, tomodachi to eiga o mimashita. Sorekara, shokuji ni ikimashita.)
   • Translation: I watched a movie with my friend yesterday. And then, we went out to eat.
2. 朝ごはんを食べました。それから、仕事に行きました。
   • (Asagohan o tabemashita. Sorekara, shigoto ni ikimashita.)
   • Translation: I ate breakfast. After that, I went to work.
3. 彼は日本に来ました。それから、東京に引っ越しました。
   • (Kare wa Nihon ni kimashita. Sorekara, Tōkyō ni hikkoshimashita.)
   • Translation: He came to Japan. And then, he moved to Tokyo.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• それから is often used in storytelling or explanations, making it essential for anyone wanting to discuss their daily activities or narrate events.
• Politeness levels can affect how それから is used; in formal settings, you might choose more structured phrases or complete sentences.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While それから itself is a straightforward connector, it does appear in idiomatic expressions such as "それからどうなったの？" (What happened after that?).

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting to add a context: Some learners use それから without providing a prior event, which can confuse listeners.
   • Incorrect: それから、映画を見ました。
   • Correct: 昨日、友達と映画を見ました。それから、食事に行きました。

Learning Strategies

• Remember that それから specifically refers to actions in a sequence. Use it whenever describing what happens next.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• それから is used to express a sequence of actions, meaning "and then" or "after that."
• It follows a context or event and sets up what comes next.
• Always provide a preceding action for clarity.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate to English: 昨日、勉強しました。それから、友達と遊びました。
2. True or False: それから can be used to indicate causation.
3. Create a sentence using それから to describe what you did after eating.

These elements combined will help reinforce your understanding and usage of それから in Japanese. Happy learning!