Genki Grammar #74: Mastering -node

An illustration of a teacher explaining the expression 'node' used to indicate a reason, in a relaxed manner. The teacher is standing in front of a whiteboard, casually dressed and smiling. The classroom is bright, with students attentively listening, some taking notes and others looking at the teacher with interest.
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Introduction

In this blog post, we will learn about the Japanese grammar pattern: -ので (node). This pattern is used to give reasons for a situation. Let’s explore how to use it!

What It Means

The -ので (node) pattern means “because” and is used to explain the reason for a situation described in the sentence. It is similar to から (kara) but is slightly more formal and commonly used in written language.

When You Use It

Use -ので (node) when you want to:

  1. Give a reason for something.
  2. Explain why a situation is the way it is.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use -ので (node):

いつも日本語のドラマを見るので、日本語が上手になりました。
(Itsumo Nihongo no dorama o miru node, Nihongo ga jōzu ni narimashita.)
My Japanese has improved because I always watch Japanese TV shows.

宿題がたくさんあったので、きのうの夜、ゲームをしませんでした。
(Shukudai ga takusan atta node, kinō no yoru, gēmu o shimasen deshita.)
I did not play video games, because I had a lot of homework.

その人はいじわるなので、きらいです。
(Sono hito wa ijiwaru na node, kirai desu.)
I do not like that person because he is mean.

今日は日曜日なので、銀行は休みです。
(Kyō wa nichiyōbi na node, ginkō wa yasumi desu.)
Banks are closed because today is a Sunday.

Note

  • The reason part of a ので (node) sentence usually is in the short form.
  • When ので (node) follows a な-adjective or a noun in a present tense affirmative clause, な (na) comes in between.
    • いじわるので (ijiwaru na node) vs. いじわるから (ijiwaru dakara)
    • 日曜日ので (nichiyōbi na node) vs. 日曜日から (nichiyōbi dakara)

Conclusion

The -ので (node) pattern is a useful way to give reasons and explain situations in Japanese. It is similar to から (kara) but more formal and often used in writing.

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