Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
Reason first, result after
から links a reason to what happens next. Read the part before から as the cause, then move to the result clause after it.
Target signal
雨ですから、うちにいます。
Because it is raining, I am staying home.
The rain is the reason for staying home.
Vocabulary notes
- うちに
- while still; before it changes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
Compare in context
日本語が好きですから、毎日勉強します。
Because I like Japanese, I study every day.
The reason comes first, and the habit comes after it.
Vocabulary notes
- 勉強します
- study
- します
- do
- 日本語
- Japanese language
Compare in context
今日は日曜日ですから、学校へ行きません。
Because today is Sunday, I am not going to school.
The reason explains why the speaker is not going.
Vocabulary notes
- 行きません
- will not go
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- 日曜日
- Sunday
Section 2 of 3
Natural short reason answers
In conversation, answers with から can stay short, but the structure is the same: reason first, then the result or implied result.
Target signal
つかれましたから、帰ります。
Because I got tired, I am going home.
The tiredness explains the decision to go home.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- した
- did
- ます
- polite verb ending
Preview
時間がありませんから、急ぎます。
Because I do not have time, I am hurrying.
The lack of time explains the hurry.
Vocabulary notes
- ませんか
- won't you ...?; shall we ...?
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- から
- from; because
Preview
おなかがすきましたから、パンを食べます。
Because I got hungry, I will eat bread.
The hunger becomes the reason for the next action.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べます
- eat (polite)
- おなか
- stomach; belly
- から
- from; because
Section 3 of 3
Reading reasons smoothly
When you read a sentence with から, do not translate word by word. First find the reason, then connect it to the action or result that follows.
Target signal
明日テストがありますから、今夜勉強します。
Because there is a test tomorrow, I will study tonight.
A future event becomes the reason for studying tonight.
Vocabulary notes
- 勉強します
- study
- あります
- there is; there are
- します
- do
Preview
この部屋は静かですから、ここで勉強します。
Because this room is quiet, I will study here.
The quiet room explains where the speaker will study.
Vocabulary notes
- 勉強します
- study
- ここで
- here; at this place
- します
- do
Preview
店が近いですから、歩いて行きます。
Because the shop is nearby, I will walk there.
The closeness of the shop explains the transportation choice.
Vocabulary notes
- 行きます
- go
- 歩いて
- walking
- から
- from; because