Translation guide
Expresses a logical conclusion or result. In Japanese, this is often shown with conjunctions like だから or したがって, or with sentence-ending patterns like 〜わけだ. The choice depends on formality and whether the reasoning is subjective or objective.
To state a conclusion based on what was just said, in everyday conversation.
The most common spoken conjunction meaning 'so' or 'therefore'. Used to give a reason-based conclusion. Can sound blunt if overused.
雨が降っている。だから、試合は中止だ。
It's raining. Therefore, the game is canceled.
A softer, more polite version of だから. Often used in semi-formal speech or writing.
明日は休みです。なので、今日は遅くまで起きていられます。
Tomorrow is a day off. Therefore, I can stay up late tonight.
Means 'and so' or 'therefore'. Often used to continue a story or explanation naturally.
道が混んでいた。それで、遅刻した。
The roads were crowded. Therefore, I was late.
To state a logical conclusion in formal speech, essays, or business contexts.
A formal conjunction meaning 'accordingly' or 'therefore'. Common in academic or business writing.
実験の結果は明確である。したがって、この仮説は正しいと言える。
The experimental results are clear. Therefore, this hypothesis can be considered correct.
A literary or formal word for 'therefore'. Often used in mathematical proofs or philosophical writing.
A formal written form meaning 'for that reason'. Less common than したがって.
To express that a situation naturally leads to a certain conclusion, often using the explanatory わけだ.
Attached to a clause to mean 'so it means that...' or 'therefore, it follows that...'. Used when the conclusion is a logical consequence.
彼は日本に10年住んでいる。だから、日本語が上手なわけだ。
He has lived in Japan for 10 years. Therefore, it makes sense that his Japanese is good.
To emphasize that a conclusion is unavoidable or must be true.
Means 'must be' or 'no doubt'. Used when the speaker is convinced of the conclusion.
彼が来ないのは、何かあったに違いない。
He isn't coming; therefore, something must have happened.
Indicates a strong expectation that something is true based on reasoning. 'It should be that...'
彼はもう着いているはずだ。
He should have arrived by now (therefore, he is probably here).
だから is used in casual speech and writing, while したがって is formal and often appears in academic or business contexts. Using だから in a formal report can sound too informal.
売上が減少した。したがって、コスト削減が必要だ。
Sales decreased. Therefore, cost reduction is necessary.
In Japanese, constantly starting sentences with だから can sound childish or overly assertive. Vary with なので, それで, or simply imply the connection through context.
I think, therefore I am.
He hid the evidence. Therefore, he was considered guilty.