Translation guide
Expresses a reason or cause based on a previously mentioned fact or situation. In Japanese, this is typically conveyed through conjunctions, sentence-ending particles, or grammatical patterns that link cause and effect.
To state a logical consequence or result of a previously mentioned fact.
The most common and neutral way to say 'because of that' or 'so'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
雨が降っている。だから、試合は中止だ。
It's raining. Because of that, the game is canceled.
Slightly more formal than だから. Often used in writing or formal speech.
事故があった。そのため、電車が遅れている。
There was an accident. Because of that, the train is delayed.
Similar to だから, but often implies a natural or expected consequence. Common in conversation.
道が混んでいた。それで、遅刻した。
The roads were crowded. Because of that, I was late.
Formal, often used in academic or business contexts to mean 'therefore' or 'consequently'.
証拠が不十分である。したがって、被告は無罪となる。
The evidence is insufficient. Because of that, the defendant is acquitted.
To explain a reason or cause, often with an explanatory or emphatic tone, typically at the end of a sentence.
Attach to the plain form of a verb/adjective to give the reason for something. The preceding context makes it clear what 'that' refers to.
遅刻した。電車が遅れたからだ。
I was late. It's because the train was delayed.
The explanatory のだ/んだ pattern. Used to provide a reason or explanation, often in response to a question or to clarify. More conversational than からだ.
どうして来なかったの？熱があったんだ。
Why didn't you come? Because I had a fever.
To stress that the previously mentioned fact is the very reason for something.
Adds emphasis, meaning 'precisely because of that' or 'for that very reason'.
彼は経験が豊富だ。それだからこそ、この仕事を任せられる。
He has a lot of experience. Because of that, we can entrust him with this job.
Formal and emphatic. Similar to それだからこそ but uses ため.
この問題は深刻だ。そのためにこそ、早急な対策が必要だ。
This problem is serious. Because of that, urgent measures are necessary.
だから is the most general and can be used in almost any situation. それで implies a natural flow of events and is common in casual conversation. そのため is more formal and often used in writing or presentations. Choose based on the level of formality and the logical connection you want to emphasize.
寒かった。だから、窓を閉めた。
It was cold. So I closed the window.
寒かった。それで、窓を閉めた。
It was cold. And so I closed the window. (natural consequence)
気温が低下した。そのため、窓を閉める必要があった。
The temperature dropped. Because of that, it was necessary to close the window. (formal)
Do not directly translate 'because of that' as それのせいで or それの理由で in most contexts. These can sound unnatural or overly literal. Use the conjunctions or patterns provided instead.