Processing keyword: ～そのために (〜sono tame ni)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～そのために (〜sono tame ni)
1. Introduction
Grammar Point: ～そのために (〜sono tame ni)
Meaning: "Therefore," "for that reason," "because of that"
JLPT Level: N3
The phrase そのために is used to indicate that what follows is a result or consequence of the preceding statement. It connects two clauses by expressing causation.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Detailed Explanation
そのために is a conjunction that links two sentences, where the first clause presents a reason, cause, or situation, and the second clause describes the result or effect stemming from it.
- その (sono): that
- ため (tame): reason, purpose
- に (ni): particle indicating direction or purpose Literal Translation: "For that reason"
Structure
The basic structure is:
- [Reason/Cause]. そのために [Result/Effect].
Formation Diagram
[Statement A (Reason/Cause)]。
**そのために**
[Statement B (Result/Effect)]。
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Similar Grammar Points
| Grammar Point | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| だから (dakara) | Therefore, so | Used in casual speech to indicate a reason or cause. |
| その結果 (sono kekka) | As a result | Emphasizes the outcome or result of the previous statement. |
| したがって (shitagatte) | Therefore, consequently | Formal expression used in written language. |
| Difference: While だから is more casual and commonly used in spoken language, そのために is slightly more formal and is appropriate in both spoken and written contexts. その結果 focuses more on the result, whereas そのために emphasizes the reason leading to the result. |
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- **仕事が忙しい。そのために、友達と会う時間がない。
Shigoto ga isogashii. Sono tame ni, tomodachi to au jikan ga nai.
Translation: "Work is busy. Therefore, I don't have time to meet friends." - **日本語を勉強しています。そのために、毎日漢字を練習しています。
Nihongo o benkyou shite imasu. Sono tame ni, mainichi kanji o renshuu shite imasu.
Translation: "I'm studying Japanese. For that reason, I practice kanji every day." - **彼は怪我をした。そのために、試合に出られなかった。
Kare wa kega o shita. Sono tame ni, shiai ni derarenakatta.
Translation: "He got injured. Because of that, he couldn't participate in the game." - **電車が遅れた。そのために、会議に遅刻した。
Densha ga okureta. Sono tame ni, kaigi ni chikoku shita.
Translation: "The train was delayed. Therefore, I was late for the meeting." - **環境問題が深刻です。そのために、新しいエネルギー資源が必要です。
Kankyou mondai ga shinkoku desu. Sono tame ni, atarashii enerugii shigen ga hitsuyou desu.
Translation: "Environmental issues are serious. For that reason, new energy resources are needed."
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Japanese communication, expressing reasons and results clearly is important, especially in formal writing and speeches. そのために is commonly used in news reports, academic writing, and business contexts to logically connect ideas.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
- そのために is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
- In casual conversations, people might use だから instead.
Idiomatic Expressions
While そのために itself is not idiomatic, it is essential in constructing logical arguments and explanations in Japanese.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Using だから instead of そのために in formal writing:
Incorrect: 天気が悪い。だから、試合は中止です。
Correct: 天気が悪い。そのために、試合は中止です。 - Misplacing そのために in the sentence:
Incorrect: そのために、仕事が忙しい。友達と会う時間がない。
Correct: 仕事が忙しい。そのために、友達と会う時間がない。
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device:
Think of そのために as "For THAT reason," where "that" refers to the previous statement. - Tip:
Use そのために to connect sentences when you want to emphasize that the second action is a direct result of the first.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- そのために connects two statements by showing causation.
- It is used to express "therefore," "for that reason," or "because of that."
- Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese, it adds a logical flow to your statements.
Quick Recap Quiz
- What is the primary function of そのために in a sentence?
- Fill in the blank with the correct conjunction:
交通が便利です。______、この町に住む人が増えています。 - True or False: そのために is more formal than だから. Answers:
- To show that the following statement is a result or consequence of the preceding statement.
- そのために
交通が便利です。そのために、この町に住む人が増えています。
"Transportation is convenient. For that reason, the number of people living in this town is increasing." - True
End of Lesson
Feel free to review this material and practice using そのために in your own sentences!