から

because, since, from, starting point

Build a strong foundation of Japanese with a high-frequency grammar and real-world phrases.

から is a versatile Japanese particle used to indicate a reason or cause, a starting point in time or place, or the origin of something. Depending on context, it is translated as "because," "since," "from," or "starting from."

・When indicating a reason or cause, から explains why something happens or the rationale behind an action (e.g., "I am tired because I didn’t sleep well" / "because it’s raining").

・When indicating a starting point, から can describe the origin of an action, such as a person or thing moving toward a location (e.g., "because they are heading here" or "since they're coming"). It is also used to explain logical sequences or connections between events.

・When indicating a source or origin, から denotes where something originates, whether it is a physical object, an abstract concept, or information. (e.g., "This letter came from my friend" / "I heard it from my teacher.")

から is commonly used in both casual and formal speech and is a key element for expressing logic, sequence, and relationships between actions or events.

Structure

Verb + (んだ / んです) + から

い-Adjective + から

な-Adjective + だ / です + から

Noun + だ / です + から

Noun + から (from, starting point)

Level

Key uses

1. Explaining cause or reason in conversations

から is the go-to particle for explaining reasons in both casual and formal contexts, offering flexibility for tone and formality.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use highlights cause-and-effect relationships, making it perfect for justifying decisions or explaining circumstances. It’s highly versatile, fitting in informal chats or formal explanations depending on the tone used.

2. Indicating starting points in time or space

Use から to mark the beginning of an event, journey, or duration, often paired with "まで" (until) to show a range.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use conveys temporal or spatial starting points, making it ideal for schedules, travel plans, or chronological descriptions. It pairs naturally with まで to create clear ranges.

3. Describing origin or sources

This form is useful for indicating where something originates, whether it’s a location, material, or information.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use emphasizes connections and origins, often personal or geographical. It’s great for highlighting relationships, gifts, or sources of information in conversation.

4. Indicating ingredients or composition

から is commonly used to describe the primary material or ingredient in products or food.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use focuses on ingredients or materials, making it essential for discussing recipes, manufacturing, or composition. It’s frequently heard in culinary or production-related contexts.

Comparisons

1. ので

Both から and ので express reasons, but から is more conversational and direct, while ので is softer and more formal. Use から in casual or spoken contexts and ので when politeness or a formal tone is needed.

2. から vs. からこそ (emphasis)

からこそ adds emphasis to the reason, meaning "precisely because." Use から for general explanations and からこそ to highlight a critical or significant reason.