Processing keyword: ですから～ (desu kara)

Japanese Grammar Point: ですから～ (desu kara)

ですから～ (desu kara) Detailed Grammar Explanation

Introduction

The phrase ですから (desu kara) is a crucial structure in Japanese that translates to "therefore" or "that's why" in English. It is used to provide reasoning or explanation for something that has been stated previously.

Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning, Structure, and Formation

ですから (desu kara) is formed by combining です (desu) with から (kara). Here's the breakdown:

• です (desu): A copula that asserts the identity or state of being.
• から (kara): A conjunction meaning "because" or "from." When combined as ですから, it functions to link a cause to a consequence or reasoning.

Structure Diagram

[Statement/Fact] + ですから + [Reason/Conclusion]

Example Structure

If we take:

• Statement: 今日は雨です (Kyou wa ame desu) - "It is raining today."
• Conclusion: だから、遅れます (Dakara, okuremasu) - "Therefore, I will be late." Combining these gives:
  今日は雨ですから、遅れます。
  (Kyou wa ame desu kara, okuremasu.) - "It is raining today, therefore, I will be late."

Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. ですから (desu kara) vs. だから (dakara):
   • Both express causality, but ですから is more formal than だから.
   • だから is usually used in casual conversations.
2. から (kara):
   • から can also be used by itself to indicate reason, but it does not contain the polite form "です".
   • Example: 今忙しいから、行けません (I’m busy so I can’t go).

Nuances

• Use ですから when you want to maintain a level of politeness, especially in formal or semi-formal settings.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 今日は特別な日ですから、パーティーを開きます。
     (Kyou wa tokubetsu na hi desu kara, paati- wo hirakimasu.)
     "It is a special day today, therefore, we are holding a party."
2. Semi-Formal:
   • 彼は忙しいですから、今は話せません。
     (Kare wa isogashii desu kara, ima wa hanasemasen.)
     "He is busy, therefore, he cannot talk right now."
3. Written:
   • この結果は予想外ですから、再調査が必要です。
     (Kono kekka wa yosougai desu kara, saichousa ga hitsuyou desu.)
     "This result was unexpected, therefore, a re-investigation is necessary."
4. Spoken:
   • 明日テストがあるから、今勉強します。
     (Ashita tesuto ga aru kara, ima benkyou shimasu.)
     "I have a test tomorrow, so I’m studying now."
     (In spoken form, you would likely use だから instead of ですから.)

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• The use of ですから demonstrates the Japanese emphasis on politeness and indirect communication. It shows consideration for the listener by providing reasoning in a respectful manner.

Levels of Politeness

• In business or formal settings, using ですから is preferable to maintain professionalism.

Idiomatic Expressions

• だからこそ (dakara koso): This phrase emphasizes the reasoning more strongly, translating to "precisely because."

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using だから in Formal Situations: Some learners mistakenly use だから in formal contexts, which may come off as too casual.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the structure by associating ですから with polite conversations and formal writing.
• A mnemonic: "Desu is polite; kara connects reason and conclusion."

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ですから indicates a reasoned conclusion or consequence of what was previously stated.
• It is more formal than だから, making it suitable for polite conversations.
• Always connect a clear statement before using ですから.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the English translation of ですから?
2. When should you prefer using ですから over だから?
3. Create a sentence using ですから about your daily activities. Answer these questions to reinforce your understanding of ですから!