こととて
Due to, Since, On account of, Because
Structure
Verb［
Noun + の + こととて
(1) ない
Explanation
こととて is formed by combining the noun こと, meaning 'circumstance' or 'matter', with the particle とて, which is used to state a reason. It can be translated as 'because...', 'due to the fact that...', or 'on account of...'. This is a somewhat formal and dated expression, now found almost exclusively in written Japanese.
To use こととて, attach it directly to the plain form of a verb, or to a noun that is followed by the particle の.
- 留学したばかりのこととて、まだ日本語が下手です。Because I have only just started studying abroad, my Japanese is still not very good.
- 連絡を差し上げなかったこととて、ご心配をおかけして申し訳ございません。As I failed to get in touch, I deeply apologize for causing you to worry.
- 田舎育ちのこととて、都会の道はよくわかりません。Since I grew up in the countryside, I'm not familiar with the city streets.
- 何分、初めてのこととて、手順が悪く申し訳ございません。As this is my first time, I do apologize for the clumsy procedure.
The most common function of こととて is to provide a reason when apologizing or asking for understanding. For this reason, it often follows a verb in the past tense or a negative form (using ない or ぬ). This emphasizes an action that was done incorrectly, or one that should have been done but was not.
In most situations, the reason (A) presented with こととて is one where the negative outcome (B) would be considered a natural or expected consequence.
Fun Fact
The precise origin of とて is debated. It is believed to be a contraction of either the particle と and the conjunction particle て, or the conjunctive form と of the classical auxiliary verb たり plus the conjunction particle て. As its etymology is uncertain, it is best to treat it as a distinct grammatical element with its own specific function.
Examples
「改装工事中のこととて、大変ご迷惑をおかけしております。」
'Due to the ongoing renovation work, I deeply apologize for the great inconvenience we are causing.'
学者：「申し訳ございませんが、目下研究に専念していることとて、ご招待には応じかねます。」
Scholar: 'I am terribly sorry, but on account of being currently devoted to my research, I'm afraid I cannot accept your invitation.'
「うちの子は人見知りすることとて、なかなかご挨拶ができず、申し訳ありません。」
'Since my child is shy around strangers, I apologize that they are having trouble greeting you.'
ナレーション：「深夜のこととて、町は静まりかえり、時折吹く風の音だけが聞こえていた。」
Narration: 'Since it was late at night, the town was utterly silent, and only the sound of the occasional wind could be heard.'
店主：「予想外の人気のこととて、ただいま品切れでございます。申し訳ございません。」
Shopkeeper: 'Due to its unexpected popularity, the item is currently out of stock. I do apologize for the inconvenience.'
祖母：「あの頃は戦時中のこととて、食べるものにも不自由したものです。」
Grandmother: 'Since it was during the war back then, we even had trouble getting enough food to eat.'
「電車の遅延という不測の事態のこととて、遅刻してしまい、誠に申し訳ございません。」
'Due to the unforeseen circumstance of a train delay, I was late, for which I am truly sorry.'
Aさん：「事情をよく存じあげなかったこととて、誤解を招くような発言をしてしまいました。」
Person A: 'On account of not being fully aware of the circumstances, I made a statement that caused a misunderstanding.'
手紙の文面：「病気で伏せっておりましたこととて、お返事が遅れましたこと、お許しください。」
From a letter: 'Please forgive my late reply, as I was sick in bed.'
「これはこの地方ならではの祭りのこととて、他の地域の方には珍しく見えるかもしれません。」
'Since this is a festival unique to this region, it might seem unusual to people from other areas.'
生徒：「このような形式の試験は初めてのこととて、時間の配分がうまくできませんでした。」
Student: 'Because it was my first time taking an exam in this format, I wasn't able to manage my time well.'
誕生日の本人：「全く予期せぬこととて、驚きのあまり言葉もございません。」
The birthday person: 'Since this was completely unexpected, I am too surprised to find any words.'
家の主人：「何もご用意のないこととて、粗末な食事で恐縮です。」
Host of the house: 'As we haven't specially prepared anything, please excuse this simple meal.'