GI11 · Because: 〜ので

Before you start

The sentences use words you already know, up to the intermediate level, in kanji with furigana, and assume elementary grammar.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

• GI01say something is excessive
• GI02say whether something is easy or hard to do
• GI03say what you do something for
• GI04say what you do to avoid something
• GI05pass on what you've heard
• GI06say what seems to be so
• GI07say something has just happened
• GI08say what point of an action you're at
• GI09say you start or finish something
• GI10list some of the things you do

What you learn

〜ので、〜

• のでbecause (soft)
• なのでbecause (noun, な-adjective)

ので gives a reason like から (G25) but sounds softer and more polite; it's the usual choice for excuses. It follows the plain form; nouns and な-adjectives take な: あめなので.

• 雨あめなので、家いえに います。ame na node, ie ni imasu.As it's raining, I'm staying home.
• 寒さむいので、窓まどを 閉しめます。samui node, mado o shimemasu.As it's cold, I'll close the window.
• 頭あたまが 痛いたいので、休やすみます。atama ga itai node, yasumimasu.As I have a headache, I'm taking the day off.
• 電車でんしゃが 遅おくれたので、連絡れんらくを しました。densha ga okureta node, renraku o shimashita.As the train was late, I let them know.
• 明日あしたは 休やすみなので、映画えいがを 見みます。ashita wa yasumi na node, eiga o mimasu.As tomorrow is a day off, I'll watch a film.
• 駅えきが 近ちかいので、便利べんりです。eki ga chikai node, benri desu.As the station is close, it's convenient.

Practice

A short text with words and grammar you already know; kanji carry their reading above. Read it and answer.