Processing keyword: 文A。それで 文B (Bun A. Sorede Bun B)

Japanese Grammar Point: 文A。それで 文B (Bun A. Sorede Bun B)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese conjunction それで (sorede), which is used to connect two sentences where the second sentence is the result or consequence of the first. Understanding how to use それで will help you articulate cause-and-effect relationships naturally in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

それで translates to "so," "therefore," or "and so" in English. It indicates that Sentence B is a natural outcome or result of Sentence A.

Structure

文A。それで 文B。
Bun A. Sorede Bun B.
Sentence A. Therefore, Sentence B.

• 文A (Bun A): The first sentence stating a fact or situation.
• それで (sorede): Conjunction meaning "so" or "therefore."
• 文B (Bun B): The second sentence expressing the result or consequence of 文A.

Formation Diagram

Part	Function
文A	Statement of fact or situation
それで	Conjunction indicating cause
文B	Resulting action or conclusion

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

だから (dakara)

• Meaning: "So," "Therefore"
• Usage: Similar to それで, but だから is often used in spoken language and can express personal judgments or conclusions.
• Nuance: だから can sound more casual and subjective.

そのため (sono tame)

• Meaning: "For that reason," "Therefore"
• Usage: Used in formal contexts, often in writing.
• Nuance: そのため emphasizes the reason and is more formal than それで.

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4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Daily Conversation

文A: 昨日は雨でした。
それで 文B: ピクニックは中止になりました。 Romaji: Kinō wa ame deshita.
Sorede: Pikunikku wa chūshi ni narimashita. Translation: It rained yesterday.
So: The picnic was canceled.

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Example 2: Workplace Setting

文A: 新しいプロジェクトが始まりました。
それで 文B: チームメンバーを増やすことになりました。 Romaji: Atarashii purojekuto ga hajimarimashita.
Sorede: Chīmu menbā o fuyasu koto ni narimashita. Translation: A new project has started.
Therefore: We've decided to increase the team members.

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Example 3: Formal Writing

文A: 多くの要望が寄せられました。
それで 文B: サービスを拡大することにしました。 Romaji: Ōku no yōbō ga yoseraremashita.
Sorede: Sābisu o kakudai suru koto ni shimashita. Translation: We received many requests.
Therefore: We've decided to expand our services.

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Example 4: Casual Conversation

文A: 道がすごく混んでいたんだ。
それで 文B: 遅刻したの？ Romaji: Michi ga sugoku konde itan da.
Sorede: Chikoku shita no? Translation: The roads were really congested.
So: Is that why you were late?

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• それで is neutral in tone and is appropriate in both casual and formal settings.
• Using それで helps convey logical connections politely and is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.

Idiomatic Expressions

• それでこそ: "That's why," "That’s the way"
  • Usage: Emphasizes that something is as it should be.
  • Example: それでこそリーダーだ。
    • Romaji: Sorede koso rīdā da.
    • Translation: That's what makes you a leader.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Overusing それで: Using それで when the second sentence is not a direct result can sound unnatural.
• Confusing with そして (soshite): そして means "and then" and merely adds information rather than indicating cause and effect.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that それで connects causes and effects—think "So-ready" to link the cause to its effect.
• Practice: Create your own sentences using それで to describe daily events that have logical connections.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• それで is used to express that Sentence B is the result of Sentence A.
• It is versatile and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
• Be careful not to confuse それで with other conjunctions like だから or そして.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does それで mean in English?
2. Is それで used to indicate a contrast or a cause-and-effect relationship?
3. Create a sentence using それで to connect two ideas.

Answers

1. "So," "Therefore."
2. Cause-and-effect relationship.
3. (Student's own answer.)

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