Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Core idea
Understand the explanatory and softer nuance of .
Start with the example
、。
Because it is raining, I will not go out.
sounds explanatory rather than blunt.
Notice the variation
、。
Because it is quiet, I like this café.
is used after a -adjective.
More detail: how to apply this
〜 means 'because' or 'since' and often sounds softer and more explanatory than .
It is common in polite speech, customer service, and written explanation.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Use the clause before as the reason and the clause after it as the response to that reason.
asks others to begin first. The request is to proceed, rather than wait for the late arrival.
、。
Because I will be a little late, please start first.
Use the clause before as the reason and the clause after it as the response to that reason.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Because it is raining, I will not go out.
sounds explanatory rather than blunt.
Compare in context
、。
Because it is quiet, I like this café.
is used after a -adjective.
Vocabulary notes
- カフェ
- café
Section 2 of 4
Formation and patterns
Formation and patterns
Start with the example
、。
Because today is Sunday, the bank is closed.
Noun + is the standard pattern.
Notice the variation
、。
Because this room is convenient, it is popular.
Reason first, result second is the usual order.
More detail: how to apply this
Use plain forms + .
After nouns and -adjectives, use .
The reason clause usually comes before the main statement.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because today is Sunday, the bank is closed.
Noun + is the standard pattern.
、。
Because today is Sunday, the bank is closed.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because today is Sunday, the bank is closed.
Showing Formation and patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Because today is Sunday, the bank is closed.
Noun + is the standard pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- 日曜日
- Sunday
- なので
- because; so
Preview
、。
Because this room is convenient, it is popular.
Reason first, result second is the usual order.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- あります
- there is; there are
Section 3 of 4
Reading and nuance
Use the clause before as the reason and the clause after it as the response to that reason.
Reading and nuance
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
supplies the circumstance: the speaker will be a little late.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In requests or apologies, often sounds more considerate than .
It explains circumstances rather than simply stating personal judgment.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because I will be a little late, please start first.
This sounds polite and situational.
、。
Because I will be a little late, please start first.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because I will be a little late, please start first.
Showing Reading and nuance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Because I will be a little late, please start first.
This sounds polite and situational.
Vocabulary notes
- 遅れる
- to be late
Preview
、。
Because I have a cold, I will be absent from work today.
Polite explanations of absence often use .
Vocabulary notes
- なので
- because; so
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
A -adjective uses before in plain connection;
is a polite variant.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
A -adjective uses before in plain connection; is a polite variant.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Both introduce a reason; the second is more polite
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.