Processing keyword: ～その結果 (〜sono kekka)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～その結果 (〜sono kekka)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～その結果 (〜sono kekka), which translates to "as a result" or "consequently" in English. This expression is used to indicate that something happened as a direct outcome of a preceding action or event.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
～その結果 (〜sono kekka) is used to express the result or consequence of a previous action or situation. It connects two statements where the first describes a cause, and the second describes its effect.
Structure
The basic structure is:
[Cause/Reason]. その結果、[Result].
- [Cause/Reason]: A statement describing an action or situation.
- その結果: "As a result"; conjunction indicating consequence.
- [Result]: The outcome or effect of the cause.
Formation Diagram
[Sentence A (Cause/Reason)]。
その結果、
[Sentence B (Result)]。
Visual Aid: Example Breakdown
| Component | Japanese | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | 彼は毎日運動した。 | He exercised every day. |
| Connector | その結果、 | As a result, |
| Result | 健康になった。 | he became healthy. |
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points
- だから (dakara)
- Meaning: "Therefore"; "so"
- Usage: Indicates a logical conclusion or result.
- Difference: More casual; used in everyday conversation.
- そのため (sono tame)
- Meaning: "For that reason"; "because of that"
- Usage: Indicates a reason for an action.
- Difference: Emphasizes reason over result.
- そこで (sokode)
- Meaning: "So"; "thereupon"
- Usage: Introduces an action taken in response to a situation.
- Difference: Focuses on the action taken, not just the result.
Comparison Table
| Grammar Point | Meaning | Formality | Usage Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| その結果 | As a result | Formal | Outcome/Result |
| だから | So; Therefore | Casual | Conclusion |
| そのため | For that reason | Formal | Reason |
| そこで | So; Thereupon | Neutral | Responsive Action |
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Formal Written
Japanese: 経済が悪化した。その結果、多くの企業が倒産した。 Reading: けいざいが あっかした。そのけっか、おおくの きぎょうが とうさんした。 Translation: The economy worsened. As a result, many companies went bankrupt.
Example 2: Formal Spoken
Japanese: 彼は熱心に研究した。その結果、重要な発見をした。 Reading: かれは ねっしんに けんきゅうした。そのけっか、じゅうような はっけんを した。 Translation: He researched diligently. As a result, he made an important discovery.
Example 3: Informal Written
Japanese: 夜更かしばかりしていた。その結果、体調を崩した。 Reading: よふかし ばかり していた。そのけっか、たいちょうを くずした。 Translation: I kept staying up late. As a result, I got sick.
Example 4: Spoken Conversation
Japanese: 新しいレシピを試した。その結果、おいしい料理ができた。 Reading: あたらしい レシピを ためした。そのけっか、おいしい りょうりが できた。 Translation: I tried a new recipe. As a result, I made delicious food.
5. Cultural Notes
Formality and Politeness
- その結果 is commonly used in formal writing and speeches, such as news reports, academic papers, and business presentations.
- Using その結果 in casual conversation may sound overly formal.
Usage in Japanese Society
- Emphasizing the consequence of actions is important in Japanese culture, which values cause-and-effect relationships.
- Recognizing the formality helps convey respect and professionalism.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistake 1: Using in Casual Contexts
- Incorrect: 昨日雨だった。その結果、傘を買った。
- Using その結果 for a simple, immediate action in casual speech.
- Correct: 昨日雨だった。だから、傘を買った。
- だから is more appropriate for casual conversation.
Common Mistake 2: Misplacing その結果
- Incorrect: その結果、彼は遅刻した、寝坊したから。
- Correct: 彼は寝坊した。その結果、遅刻した。
- Ensure the cause comes before, and その結果 introduces the effect.
Tips
- Remember the Order: Start with the cause, then use その結果 to introduce the result.
- Formality Awareness: Use その結果 in formal settings; opt for だから or それで in casual conversations.
- Practice: Create sentences linking causes and effects from your experiences.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- その結果 means "as a result" and connects a cause with its consequence.
- It's formal and suited for written and spoken formal contexts.
- The structure is:
[Cause]. その結果、[Result].
Quick Recap Quiz
- What does その結果 mean?
- Answer: "As a result"; "Consequently"
- Is その結果 appropriate for casual conversation?
- Answer: No, it's formal. Use だから or それで instead.
- Fill in the blank:
彼は毎日ピアノを練習した。____、上達した。
- Answer: その結果
- Explain why その結果 is used instead of だから in formal writing.
- Answer: その結果 is more formal and appropriate for formal contexts, while だから is casual.
By understanding and practicing ～その結果 (〜sono kekka), you'll enhance your ability to express cause-and-effect relationships formally in Japanese.