Translation guide
The English word 'since' has two main uses: indicating a time from a past point until now, and giving a reason. These are expressed differently in Japanese. For time, use 〜から or 〜以来. For reason, use 〜ので, 〜から, or other patterns depending on formality and nuance.
Expressing that something has been true or happening from a specific time in the past up to the present.
Attach to a noun or time expression to mean 'since'. Used with states or ongoing actions. Often paired with 〜ている.
去年から日本語を勉強しています。
I have been studying Japanese since last year.
It has been raining since morning.
More formal than 〜から. Often used with nouns or 〜て以来. Emphasizes the span of time since an event.
卒業以来、彼に会っていません。
I haven't seen him since graduation.
日本に来て以来、ずっとこの町に住んでいます。
I have been living in this town ever since I came to Japan.
Adds emphasis on continuity ('ever since'). Used with 〜ている.
子供の頃からずっとピアノを弾いています。
I have been playing the piano ever since I was a child.
Means 'after doing' or 'since doing', but focuses on the sequence of actions rather than a continuous state. Often used with past tense.
日本に来てから、もう5年になります。
It's been five years since I came to Japan.
Giving a reason or cause for something.
Soft, explanatory 'since/because'. Used in polite speech and when the reason is seen as objective or natural. Attach to plain form of verbs/adjectives.
雨が降っているので、出かけません。
Since it's raining, I won't go out.
明日は休みなので、映画を見に行きます。
Since tomorrow is a holiday, I'll go see a movie.
More subjective or direct than 〜ので. Often used in casual speech, or when giving personal reasons, excuses, or strong assertions.
寒いから、窓を閉めて。
Since it's cold, close the window.
時間がないから、急ごう。
Since we don't have time, let's hurry.
Formal, often written. Used for objective cause-and-effect, especially in news or reports. Can also mean 'for the purpose of'.
台風のため、電車が止まりました。
Trains stopped due to the typhoon.
Very formal, used in academic or official contexts to indicate cause. Often translates to 'due to' or 'as a result of'.
地震によって大きな被害が出た。
Significant damage occurred due to the earthquake.
Implies a positive reason or thanks to something. 'Thanks to...' or 'since (good thing)'. Can be used sarcastically.
あなたのおかげで助かりました。
Thanks to you, I was saved. / Since you helped, I'm okay.
〜ので is softer and more polite, often used when the reason is beyond the speaker's control or when making a request politely. 〜から is more direct and subjective, common in casual speech or when emphasizing personal opinion. In formal writing, 〜ため is preferred.
電車が遅れたので、遅刻しました。
I was late because the train was delayed. (objective, polite)
電車が遅れたから、遅刻した。
I was late 'cause the train was delayed. (casual, direct)
The particle から can mean both 'since (time)' and 'because'. Context usually makes it clear. When attached to a time noun, it's temporal; when attached to a clause ending in a plain form, it's causal.
3時から会議です。
The meeting is from 3 o'clock. (time)
疲れたから、寝ます。
Since I'm tired, I'll sleep. (reason)