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Asking Directions (6)

Kara: Connective Particles

"Kara" is a connective particle, and means "because," "so," or "therefore."

Sentence (1) + kara + Sentence (2)

Sentence (1) expresses the reason, and Sentence (2) expresses the result. Here are some examples.

Ii tenki deshita kara
sanpo ni ikimashita.
いい天気でしたから
散歩に行きました。
Because it was nice weather,
I went for a walk.
Kaze o hiita kara
gakkou ni ikanakatta.
風邪をひいたから
学校に行かなかった。
Because I had a cold,
I didn't go to school.

Pay attention to the word order. Although "kara" can be translated as "because," it comes after the phrase or clause just like other particles. It might be easy to understand "kara" as "that's why."

Kara can be attached with both formal and plain forms of the verbs.

Formal Kaigi ga arimasu kara
hayaku kite kudasai.
会議がありますから
早く来てください。
We have a meeting,
therefore please come early.
Plain Tomodachi ga kuru kara
sushi o tsukutta.
友達が来るから
すしを作った。
Because my friend is coming,
I made sushi.

"Kara" sentence can be used independently.

Doushite okureta no.
どうして遅れたの。
Why you were late?
Densha ni noriokureta kara.
電車に乗り遅れたから。
Because I missed the train.