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:
- Give a reason for something.
- 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.
- いじわるなので (ijiwaru na node) vs. いじわるだから (ijiwaru dakara)
- 日曜日なので (nichiyōbi na node) vs. 日曜日だから (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.
