6.2 Connectors (から, でも, そして)

Because — から

から (kara) = 'because,' placed at the END of the reason clause: 雨だから、行きません (because it's raining, I won't go). ので (node) is a softer 'because.'

But — でも / しかし

でも (demo) = 'but' (starts a sentence): 高いです。でも、買います (It's expensive. But I'll buy it). が (ga) and けど (kedo) also mean 'but' mid-sentence.

And / then — そして, それから

そして (soshite) = 'and (then)' between sentences; それから (sorekara) = 'and then / after that'; 〜て links actions within a sentence.

Key terms

から (kara)

'because' — at the end of the reason clause

ので (node)

softer, more polite 'because'

でも / しかし

demo / shikashi — 'but' (sentence start)

が / けど

ga / kedo — 'but' (mid-sentence)

そして / それから

soshite / sorekara — and (then) / after that

Try an AP-style question

"あついから、まどをあけます" means…

1. If it's hot, open the window
2. It's hot but I'll open the window
3. It's hot and the window is open
4. Because it's hot, I'll open the window