Processing keyword: A。それで B。 (~sore de)

Japanese Grammar Point: A。それで B。 (~sore de)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese conjunction それで (sore de). This phrase is commonly used to connect two sentences, where the first sentence provides a reason or cause, and the second sentence presents the result or effect. Understanding how to use それで will help you express causality and sequence events naturally in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

それで translates to "and so," "therefore," or "because of that" in English. It's used to indicate that the second sentence is a direct result or conclusion of the first sentence.

Structure

The basic structure is:

A。それで B。

• A: A sentence stating a reason, cause, or initial situation.
• それで: Conjunction meaning "and so" or "therefore."
• B: A sentence stating the result or conclusion.

Formation Diagram

[Reason/Cause A] + 。 + それで + [Result/Conclusion B] + 。

Visual Aid: Structure Breakdown

3. Comparative Analysis

それで vs だから While both それで and だから mean "therefore" or "so," there are subtle differences:

• それで is used to connect two sentences, emphasizing the result that naturally follows from the previous statement. It's slightly more formal and often used in narratives or explanations.
• だから is more casual and directly states that the second sentence is a consequence of the first. It's commonly used in spoken language. Example:
• それで
  • 行きたくなかった。それで、家にいました。
  • (I didn't want to go. Therefore, I stayed home.)
• だから
  • 雨が降っている。だから、傘を持っていこう。
  • (It's raining. So, let's take an umbrella.)

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Written Context

Japanese: 電車が遅れました。それで、会議に遅刻しました。 Reading: でんしゃがおくれました。それで、かいぎにちこくしました。 English Translation: "The train was delayed. Therefore, I was late for the meeting."

Example 2: Casual Spoken Context

Japanese: 昨日は疲れていた。それで、早く寝た。 Reading: きのうはつかれていた。それで、はやくねた。 English Translation: "I was tired yesterday. So, I went to bed early."

Example 3: Explaining a Decision

Japanese: 彼女は留学します。それで、日本語を勉強しています。 Reading: かのじょはりゅうがくします。それで、にほんごをべんきょうしています。 English Translation: "She is going to study abroad. Therefore, she is studying Japanese."

Example 4: Sequential Actions

Japanese: 道に迷いました。それで、遅れました。 Reading: みちにまよいました。それで、おくれました。 English Translation: "I got lost. Because of that, I was late."

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• それで is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• It's appropriate in written communication, formal speeches, and everyday conversations.

Idiomatic Expressions Using それで

• それでこそ: "That's why" or "That's the way"
  • Example: それでこそ君だ。
  • Translation: "That's why you're you." / "That's the spirit."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using それで Incorrectly to Ask for Continuation

   • Incorrect: それで、どうしたの？
   • Correct: それから、どうしたの？

   Explanation: When asking "And then, what happened?" use それから instead of それで.

2. Confusing それで with そして

   • それで indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.
   • そして simply connects sentences without implying causation. Example:
   • それで
     • 事故があった。それで、電車が止まった。
     • "There was an accident. Therefore, the train stopped."
   • そして
     • 朝ごはんを食べた。そして、学校に行った。
     • "I ate breakfast. Then, I went to school."

Tips

• Mnemonic to Remember それで Think of "それで" as "So-Re Deeds" – "So, resulting in this deed."
• Pay Attention to Context Ensure that the sentences connected by それで have a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• それで is a conjunction meaning "and so," "therefore," or "because of that."
• Used to connect a cause (A) and its effect (B).
• Neutral politeness level, suitable for various contexts.
• Do not confuse それで with だから (more casual) or そして (no causation).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the primary function of それで in a sentence?
2. Choose the correct conjunction: 雨が降っています。____、試合は中止です。
   • a) そして
   • b) それで
   • c) それから
3. True or False: それで can be used to ask someone to continue their story.

Answers:

1. It connects two sentences to show that the second is a result or conclusion of the first.
2. b) それで
   • 雨が降っています。それで、試合は中止です。
   • "It's raining. Therefore, the game is canceled."
3. False. When asking someone to continue, use それから instead.

By mastering それで, you can express reasons and results more effectively, making your Japanese sound more natural and cohesive.