から
From
Structure
Explanation
The particle から has multiple functions in Japanese based on its position in a sentence and the words surrounding it. A primary translation for から is 'from'. When used this way, it indicates that (A) is the point of origin for an action (B). In this grammatical pattern, から immediately follows the noun that represents the starting location.
- 彼はフランスから来ました。He came from France.
- 駅からバスで来ました。I came from the station by bus.
This usage of から represents its most fundamental meaning in Japanese. The concept of 'from' or 'originating at' is a core nuance that connects to nearly all of its other grammatical functions.
Caution
When indicating a starting point, から follows nouns and な-Adjectives directly. Adding だ before it will alter the meaning to 'because'.
Examples
空港からタクシーで来た。
I came from the airport by taxi.
カナダから来ました。
I came from Canada.
このプレゼントはお兄さんからです。
This present is from my older brother.
図書館から、カフェに行く。
To go to the cafe from the library.
旅行から帰る。
To return from a trip.
３時から始まります。
It begins from three o'clock.
建物から出た。
He exited from the building.
公園から帰った。
I returned from the park.
会社から、飲みに行く。
To go for a drink from the office.
先生からの手紙。
A letter from the teacher.
大阪から、福岡へ行く。
To go from Osaka to Fukuoka.
この本は、先生からもらいました。
I received this book from my teacher.