When asserting an opinion in Japanese, you can be more persuasive by not only asserting your position but also explaining the reasons and evidence behind it. So, how do you explain reasons and evidence in Japanese? We will introduce a wide range of ways to explain "reasons," from expressions that can be used in formal situations to expressions used in casual conversations between friends.
1. The reason is ~ (riyū wa ~desu)
"The reason is ~ (riyū wa ~desu)" is a concise expression used when explaining a reason. It is generally used in formal situations such as school discussions or business meetings with clients. Because it ends with "~desu" and is a polite expression, it can be used in a variety of situations regardless of who you are speaking to.
Example sentences
I am against the store relocation because the cost of the store relocation is beyond our budget.
Boku wa tenpo no iten ni hantai shimasu. Riyū wa, tenpo iten no hiyō ga yosan wo uwamawatte iru kara desu.
I disagree the relocation of the store. The reason is that the cost of relocating the store exceeds the budget.
"Because ~ that's why (nazenara ~dakara desu)" is also a standard Japanese expression for explaining a reason and can be used in the same way as "The reason is ~ (riyū wa ~desu)."
Example sentences
I agree with Sato's proposal because it is more cost-effective than the other proposals.
Watashi wa Satō-san no teian ni sansei desu. Nazenara Satō-san no teian wa hoka no teian yori mo hiyōtaikōka ga takai kara desu.
I agree with Mr. Sato's proposal. Because Mr. Sato's proposal is more cost-effective than other proposals.
When using Japanese expressions to explain these reasons, be sure to state your position on the topic in the previous statement.
2. Because ~ (datte ~dakara)
"Datte ~dakara" is a casual Japanese expression for giving a reason. "Datte" means "because." It's useful to use this expression when the person you're talking to asks you why.
Example sentences
A: Why are you studying Japanese?
B: Because I love Japan.
A: Dōshite Nihongo wo benkyō shiteiru no?
B: Datte, Nihon ga sukida kara.
A: Why do you study Japanese?
B: Because I like Japan.
"Because ~dakara" is short and easy to remember, so it's convenient when explaining a reason, but if you use it when someone is scolding you or holding you accountable, it can come across as an excuse. Be careful not to give the wrong impression.
Example sentences
A: Why didn't you answer the phone yesterday?
B: Because I was sleeping and didn't notice the phone.
A: Kinō wa dōshite denwa ni detekurenakatta no?
B: Datte, nete ite denwa ni kizukanakatta kara.
A: Why didn't you answer my call yesterday?
B: Because I was sleeping and didn't notice the call.
3.~node
"Node" is also an expression that can be used when explaining reasons. Node is a conjunction that connects the previous and following sentences to explain the reason. Therefore, the sentence before "node" explains the reason, and the sentence after "node" explains the result.
Example sentences
The train was delayed, so I was late for class.
Densha ga chien shite ita node, gakkō no jugyō ni chikoku shita.
The train was delayed, so I was late for my school class.
4. ~no tame (because of ~)
Like "~no tame" (~node), "~no tame" (~no tame) is a conjunction used when explaining reasons and conveying results. It gives the other person a more polite impression. For this reason, you often hear this expression in formal situations such as train and bus announcements and workplace meetings.
Example sentences
This train is running at reduced speed today due to strong winds.
Honjitsu, kono ressha wa kyōfū no tame sokudo wo otoshite unkō shite imasu.
Today, this train is slowing down due to strong winds.
Example sentences
I am out and away from my seat.
Gaishutsu-chū no tame seki wo hazushite orimasu.
I'm not at my desk because I'm out.
Next, how about asking the other person for a reason? We will also introduce some example sentences.
5.Why?
Example sentences
Why are you sleepy?
Dōshite anata wa nemui no desu ka?
Why are you sleepy?
6. Why?
"Why?" gives a slightly childish impression, so if you use this "Why?", you should have no problems. Therefore, if you have trouble remembering "Why?", it's fine to just remember "Why?"
Example sentences
Why did I have to get up early?
Naze hayaoki wo shinakute wa naranakatta no?
Why did you have to get up early?
Example sentences
Why are you training?
Naze anata wa torēningu wo shite iru no?
Why are you training?
7. Why?
It's best to use "Nande~?" when speaking with friends or younger people. Be careful, as asking "Nande~?" to someone of higher rank can be considered rude in Japan.
Example sentences
Why did you take time off work?
Nande shigoto wo yasunda no?
Why were you absent from work?
There are various expressions to ask or explain the reason. If you are even slightly concerned about Japanese, You can experience Japanese language lessons taught by experienced teachers for free. Human Academy Japanese Language Learning Plus Sign up for free Would you like to try it?