Processing keyword: ～から、～ (〜kara、～)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～から、～ (〜kara、～)

1. Introduction

The conjunction ～から (〜kara) is a fundamental grammar point in Japanese used to express a reason or cause. It connects two clauses, indicating that the first clause is the reason for the second clause. Mastering ～から enables you to explain your actions, decisions, and feelings effectively in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～から: because, since, so

Usage

• ～から is used to indicate a reason or cause for an action, decision, or state described in the main clause.
• It is placed after the reason clause and before the main clause.

Structure

The general structure is:

[Reason (Plain Form)] + から、[Result/Consequence]

Formation Diagram

Using Verbs

Verb Form	Example
Verb (Plain Form) + から	学ぶ から、成長する。
	Manabu kara, seichō suru.
	"Because we learn, we grow."

Using い-Adjectives

い-Adjective Form	Example
い-Adjective + から	面白い から、この本が好きです。
	Omoshiroi kara, kono hon ga sukidesu.
	"I like this book because it's interesting."

Using な-Adjectives and Nouns

For な-adjectives and nouns, add "だ" before から. | Form | Example | |-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | な-Adjective + だ + から | 静かだから、図書館が好きです。 | | | Shizuka da kara, toshokan ga sukidesu. | | | "I like the library because it's quiet." | | Noun + だ + から | Example | |-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | 学生だから、時間があります。 | Gakusei da kara, jikan ga arimasu. | | | "I have time because I'm a student." |

3. Comparative Analysis

While ～から is commonly used to express reasons, there are other grammar points with similar functions, such as ～ので.

Comparison with ～ので

	～から	～ので
Formality	Casual to Neutral	Neutral to Formal
Directness	More direct and assertive	Softer, more polite
Usage	Everyday conversations	Formal writings, polite speech
Example	疲れたから、寝ます。	疲れたので、寝ます。
	Tsukareta kara, nemasu.	Tsukareta node, nemasu.
	"I'm going to sleep because I'm tired."	"I'm going to sleep because I'm tired."
Note: Choosing between から and ので depends on the level of politeness and the context.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

Formal Context

1. 会議が延期になりました。雨だからです。
   • Kaigi ga enki ni narimashita. Ame da kara desu.
   • "The meeting was postponed because it is raining."
2. 資料を準備しました。必要だったからです。
   • Shiryō o junbi shimashita. Hitsuyō datta kara desu.
   • "I prepared the materials because they were necessary."

Informal Context

1. お腹が空いたから**、昼ごはんを食べよう。**
   • Onaka ga suita kara, hiru-gohan o tabeyō.
   • "I'm hungry, so let's eat lunch."
2. 友達が来るから**、部屋を片付けます。**
   • Tomodachi ga kuru kara, heya o katazukemasu.
   • "Because a friend is coming over, I'll clean up the room."

Dialogue Example

A: どうして昨日、来なかったの？

• Dōshite kinō, konakatta no?
• "Why didn't you come yesterday?" B: 熱があったから、家で休んでいたんだ。
• Netsu ga atta kara, ie de yasunde itan da.
• "Because I had a fever, I was resting at home."

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Directness

• ～から can be perceived as direct. In formal situations or when speaking to superiors, using ～ので is often considered more polite.
• Being aware of the level of politeness required in a situation is crucial in Japanese communication.

Idiomatic Expressions

• ～から～まで: From... to...
  • 東京から大阪まで**新幹線で行きます。
    Tōkyō kara Ōsaka made shinkansen de ikimasu. "I will go from Tokyo to Osaka by bullet train."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Forgetting "だ" before から with な-adjectives and nouns
   • Incorrect: 静かから、この場所が好きです。
     • Shizuka kara, kono basho ga sukidesu.
   • Correct: 静かだから、この場所が好きです。
     • Shizuka da kara, kono basho ga sukidesu.
     • "I like this place because it's quiet."
2. Using Polite Form before から
   • Incorrect: 疲れましたから、休みます。
     • Tsukaremashita kara, yasumimasu.
   • Correct: 疲れたから、休みます。
     • Tsukareta kara, yasumimasu.
     • "I will rest because I'm tired."
   • Tip: Use the plain form before から, even in polite sentences.

Learning Strategies

• Practice Forming Sentences: Create sentences using verbs, い-adjectives, な-adjectives, and nouns + だ before から to become familiar with the structure.
• Role-Playing: Engage in conversations where you explain reasons using ～から to build fluency.
• Notice Context: Pay attention to how native speakers use から and ので in different settings to understand nuances.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～から is used to connect a reason with a result, meaning "because" or "since."
• Use the plain form of verbs and adjectives before から.
• For な-adjectives and nouns, add だ before から.
• Be mindful of the level of politeness; ～ので may be preferable in formal contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form: 彼は学生___、割引が受けられます。

   Answer: 彼は学生だから、割引が受けられます。

2. Which is more formal and polite, から or ので? Answer: ので is more formal and polite.

3. Correct the sentence if there is a mistake: 美味しいですから、たくさん食べました。 Answer: 美味しいから、たくさん食べました。 (Use the plain form "美味しい" before "から")

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By understanding and practicing ～から, you can effectively express reasons and improve your overall fluency in Japanese.

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