Conjunctions
Learn how to connect clauses and sentences in Japanese using conjunctions like から, ので, けど, のに, and し.
Connecting Sentences in Japanese
Single sentences can only express so much. Conjunctions let you combine clauses to give reasons, contrast ideas, and list multiple points.
Japanese conjunctions attach to the end of the first clause (unlike English, where conjunctions often come at the start). Most connect to the plain form of the preceding verb, adjective, or noun — though some have polite-form variants.
The choice between similar conjunctions (e.g. から vs ので, けど vs のに) often comes down to formality and the speaker's attitude, not just meaning.
から gives a reason or cause. It follows the plain form (or polite form in formal speech). The speaker presents the reason as their own judgment or justification — it often sounds like an explanation or excuse.
[clause A plain] + から + [clause B]
Examples
- Because there's a test tomorrow, I'll go to bed early today.
明日テストがあるから、今日は早く寝ます。
- I'm hungry, so let's eat something.
お腹がすいたから、何か食べよう。
- Japanese is fun, so I study every day.
日本語は楽しいから、毎日勉強しています。
- It's dangerous, so please don't touch it.
危ないから、触らないでください。
ので also gives a reason, but presents it as a natural, objective cause — softer and more polite than から. It follows the plain form, but な-adjectives and nouns take な instead of だ before ので.
[clause A plain] + ので + [clause B](な-adj/noun: ～な + ので)
Since ので sounds less assertive, it is preferred in formal contexts, polite requests, and when the reason is clearly factual rather than personal.
Examples
- Since it's raining, I'll bring an umbrella.
雨が降っているので、傘を持っていきます。
- The train was delayed, so I was late.
電車が遅れたので、遅刻しました。
- This room is quiet, so it's easy to study.
この部屋は静かなので、勉強しやすいです。
- Tomorrow is a day off, so I can relax.
明日は休みなので、ゆっくりできます。
Both mean 'because,' but they differ in tone:
- から — subjective, assertive, explanatory. Natural for personal reasons, excuses, commands, and casual speech.
- ので — objective, soft, factual. Preferred in polite speech, formal writing, and when the cause-effect is obvious.
A practical rule: if the sentence ends with a request, command, or suggestion, から is more natural. If you're stating a fact that leads to a consequence, ので fits better.
Examples
- It's hot, so please open the window. (direct) / It's hot — would it be OK to open the window? (polite)
暑いから、窓を開けてください。
暑いので、窓を開けてもいいですか。
- I'm tired, so I'm heading home. (casual) / I'm tired, so I'll excuse myself first. (polite)
疲れたから、もう帰る。
疲れたので、先に失礼します。
けど expresses contrast or a soft 'but.' It has a formality scale:
- けど — casual
- けれど — slightly formal
- けれども — formal
- が — written/formal
All follow the plain form (polite form is also fine before けど in conversation).
[clause A] + けど + [clause B]
けど can also be used to introduce a topic softly, without strong contrast — similar to 'well...' or trailing off.
Examples
- Japanese is difficult, but it's interesting.
日本語は難しいけど、おもしろいです。
- I bought it yesterday, but it's already broken.
昨日買ったけど、もう壊れました。
- Excuse me, I'd like to ask you something...
すみませんが、ちょっとお聞きしたいんですけど。
- It's expensive, but I decided to buy it.
高いけど、買うことにしました。
のに expresses disappointed or surprised contrast — the result is unexpected or regrettable given the first clause. It follows the plain form (な-adjectives and nouns take な before のに).
[clause A plain] + のに + [clause B]
Unlike けど, のに carries the speaker's emotion — frustration, surprise, or reproach. It cannot be used when the second clause is a command or suggestion.
Examples
- Even though I studied a lot, I failed the test.
たくさん勉強したのに、テストに落ちました。
- Even though they promised, they didn't come.
約束したのに、来なかった。
- Despite taking medicine, I still have a headache.
薬を飲んだのに、まだ頭が痛い。
- The weather is nice — aren't you going anywhere?
天気がいいのに、どこにも行かないの？
Both express 'although,' but with different attitudes:
- けど — neutral contrast, no strong emotion. Simply states that two things are different.
- のに — emotional contrast. The speaker feels the outcome is unexpected, unfair, or frustrating.
If you can say it with a shrug, use けど. If you'd say it with a sigh, use のに.
Examples
- It's expensive, but it's delicious. (neutral) / It's expensive, and yet it's not even good. (frustrated)
高いけど、おいしいです。
高いのに、おいしくない。
- It's raining, but I'll go out. (neutral) / Even though I had an umbrella, I got wet. (annoyed)
雨だけど、出かけます。
傘を持っていたのに、濡れました。
し lists multiple reasons or qualities, implying there are even more beyond what's stated. It follows the plain form.
[reason 1] + し + [reason 2] + し + [conclusion]
The final し can be followed by a concluding statement. し carries a cumulative, sometimes emphatic tone — 'not only X, but also Y.'
Examples
- This restaurant is cheap, delicious, and all-around great.
この店は安いし、おいしいし、最高です。
- It's hot today, I'm tired, and I want to go home early.
今日は暑いし、疲れたし、早く帰りたい。
- He's smart, good at sports, and popular.
彼は頭がいいし、スポーツもできるし、人気があります。
- I don't have time or money, so a trip is impossible.
時間もないし、お金もないし、旅行は無理です。
ても expresses a concession — 'even if A, still B.' It attaches to the te-form of verbs and adjectives.
- Verbs: te-form + も (食べ ても)
- い-adj: ～く ても (高く ても)
- な-adj/noun: ～ でも (静か でも, 雨 でも)
The result in clause B holds regardless of clause A.
Examples
- Even if it rains, I'll play soccer.
雨が降っても、サッカーをします。
- Even if it's expensive, I'll buy it.
高くても、買います。
- No matter how much I explain, they don't understand.
いくら説明しても、分かってくれない。
- Even on days off, I run every morning.
休みでも、毎朝走っています。