ことだから
🃏 Flashcard
ことだから
koto dakara
Tap to reveal usage
because; since~
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
koto dakara
Post ID
51050
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
because; since~
📖 How to use it
States a reason based on known facts or someone's character, like 'given that...'.
Attaches to
Attaches to a noun + の, typically 名詞 + の + ことだから. The noun is often a person or a well-known event.
This pattern gives a reason or basis for a judgment, implying that because of the known nature or past experience of the subject, it is natural to expect a certain outcome. It is often used when the speaker assumes the listener shares the same knowledge. For example, if you know your friend is always punctual, you might say 'あの人のことだから、もう来ているはずだ' (Given that it's him, he should already be here). The nuance is that the conclusion is drawn from established facts or personality, not just a guess. It is slightly formal and common in written or planned speech, but not overly stiff.
彼のことだから、約束の時間に遅れることはないでしょう。
Kare no koto dakara, yakusoku no jikan ni okureru koto wa nai deshou.
Given that it's him, he certainly won't be late for the appointment.
あのチームのことだから、最後まで全力で戦うはずだ。
Ano chiimu no koto dakara, saigo made zenryoku de tatakau hazu da.
Knowing that team, they will surely fight with all their might until the end.
有名な店のことだから、予約しないと入れないかもしれないね。
Yuumei na mise no koto dakara, yoyaku shinai to hairenai kamoshirenai ne.
Since it's a famous restaurant, we might not get in without a reservation.
Not ことだし
ことだし also gives a reason but lists multiple factors (and also, given that...). ことだから focuses on one known characteristic. For example, 時間もないことだし、そろそろ帰ろう (and since we have no time, let's head back) vs. 彼のことだから、時間通りに来るよ (given his nature, he'll come on time).
Register
Slightly formal and often used in writing or planned speech, but can be used in conversation with friends when being emphatic about a shared assumption.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
ことだから
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat ことだから three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using ことだから. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern ことだから mean?
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Because; since~
What JLPT level is ことだから?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use ことだから in a sentence?
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Attach ことだから (koto dakara) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is ことだから formal or casual Japanese?
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ことだから is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember ことだから long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.