Since / Because: ので

Learn how ので gives a softer, more explanatory reason than から in both spoken and written Japanese.

Understand the explanatory and softer nuance of ので.Form ので correctly after verbs, adjectives, nouns, and な-adjectives.Choose ので naturally in polite explanations and everyday reading.

Guided study

Core idea

〜ので means 'because' or 'since' and often sounds softer and more explanatory than から. It is common in polite speech, customer service, and written explanation.

雨が降っているので、出かけません。

Because it is raining, I will not go out.

ので sounds explanatory rather than blunt.

静かなので、このカフェが好きです。

Because it is quiet, I like this café.

なので is used after a な-adjective.

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