ので
node
Because of; given that; since
Gives a reason or cause, often with a nuance of politeness or objectivity.
How to form it
Attach to the plain form of verbs and い-adjectives, to な-adjectives + な, and to nouns + な.
What it means
ので connects a reason to a result. It is similar to から but sounds a bit more polite and objective, often used when explaining something to a teacher, boss, or in formal situations. The reason part is always stated first, and the result follows. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese, but it's generally more formal than から.
Example sentences
時間がないので、タクシーで行きます。
Jikan ga nai node, takushii de ikimasu.
Since I don't have time, I'll go by taxi.
天気がいいので、散歩しましょう。
Tenki ga ii node, sanpo shimashou.
The weather is nice, so let's go for a walk.
病気なので、会社を休みます。
Byouki na node, kaisha o yasumimasu.
Because I'm sick, I'll take a day off from work.
Don’t confuse it with
から
から is more subjective and casual, often used in everyday speech, while ので sounds more objective and polite, suitable for formal contexts.
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Neutral to slightly formal; common in both speech and writing, but safer than から in polite conversation.
Next in the N5 path
5Questions
What does ので mean?
Because of; given that; since. Gives a reason or cause, often with a nuance of politeness or objectivity.
How do you form ので?
Attach to the plain form of verbs and い-adjectives, to な-adjectives + な, and to nouns + な.
Example of ので in a sentence
時間がないので、タクシーで行きます。 — Since I don't have time, I'll go by taxi.
から — what is the difference?
から is more subjective and casual, often used in everyday speech, while ので sounds more objective and polite, suitable for formal contexts.
What JLPT level is ので?
JLPT N5 (beginner), number 4 of 80 in Nihoner's learning order for N5.
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