から
Because, Since
Structure
［い］Adjective + から
［な］Adjective + だから
Noun + だ + から
Explanation
The particle から has various functions in Japanese, which change depending on its position and the words surrounding it. It is frequently used to express a reason, translating to 'because' or 'since'. In these situations, it conveys the meaning of 'Because (A) happened, (B) is the result'.
- 今日、たくさん歩いたから、足が疲れた。Since I walked a lot today, my legs are tired. (From the fact that I walked a lot)
- この本は面白いから、毎日読みます。Because this book is interesting, I read it every day. (From the fact that it's interesting)
から can be attached to most types of words. However, when using it to state a reason that is a noun or a な-Adjective, it is necessary to add だ immediately before it.
- 今日は雨だから、外で遊べない。Because it's raining today, I can't play outside. (From the fact that it's raining)
- この部屋は静かだから、勉強しやすい。Since this room is quiet, it's easy to study. (From the fact that it's quiet)
Although から has a few applications, its core meaning is always 'from'. Thinking of it this way can help you understand its various uses.
From (the reason A), (the result B) = Because/Since.
From (the location A), (the action B) = From.
Fun Fact
In Japanese, から is classified as a specific type of particle known as a case marking particle. The role of these particles is to define the relationship between different parts of a sentence. We'll cover more particles like this later!
Examples
料理が上手ですから。
Because I am good at cooking.
猫だから、魚が好き。
Because it is a cat, it likes fish.
眠いから、コーヒーを飲む。
Because I'm sleepy, I'm going to drink coffee.
安いから、この服を買う。
Because it is cheap, I will buy these clothes.
時間がないから、急ぐだろう。
Because there is no time, we'll probably have to rush.
たくさん食べたから、お腹がいっぱいです。
Because I ate a lot, I am full.
雨だから、傘が必要なんです。
Because it's raining, I need an umbrella.
バスに乗るから、間に合うでしょう。
Because you are taking the bus, you will probably be on time, right?
この本は面白いから、読んでいます。
Because this book is interesting, I am reading it.
映画を見るのが好きだから、よく映画館に行きます。
Because I like watching movies, I often go to the movie theater.
彼はたくさん練習したから、試合に勝ちました。
Because he practiced a lot, he won the match.
今日は日曜日だから、銀行は休みだ。
Because today is Sunday, the bank is closed.