What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kono (this) and tame (reason, cause or purpose).
Which one should you use?
While このため is used for formal and objective statements, だから is a much more common and informal way to say 'so' or 'because of that' in daily conversation. For a slightly casual tone, you can add さ to the end of だから to make it だからさ、. In informal conversations, それで、 is also commonly used and is similar in usage to だから.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
このため is a formal way to express causality, commonly used in news reports, academic writing or business contexts. For a more formal way to emphasize a specific reason or purpose, you can use このために、.
How does it change in a sentence?
In written Japanese, このため is often followed by a comma to clearly separate the cause from the resulting sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
kono tame
Did you know?
- The informal alternative だから can be used as a standalone exclamation to mean 'Exactly!' or 'That is what I am saying!' In this context, it is no longer a conjunction but a way to agree strongly.
- While このため is common in writing, Japanese speakers often avoid using direct causality markers like だから when apologizing. Instead, they leave the cause implicit to sound more polite and humble.
- The word tame in このため can mean both 'reason' and 'purpose'. While 'because of this' describes a cause, the same word can be used to say 'for the sake of this'.
Examples in context
- このように効率が悪いのは、熊の体が大きく、足が太いからである。このため、歩くと体が横に揺れるのだ。The inefficiency is due to the bear's large body and thick legs. Because of this, bears sway from side to side when they walk.This example shows how このため introduces a physical result based on a bear's anatomy.Tatoeba #223051 by Sim5634, translation #11246546 by pip
- このため、今夜から明日にかけて全般に曇りや雨の天気でしょう。Because of this it will probably be generally cloudy and rainy weather over tonight and tomorrow.This example uses このため to introduce a weather forecast based on a preceding cause.Tatoeba #393788 by blay_paul, translation #393789 by blay_paul
- 多くの人々が首を長くして待っていたショッピング・フェスティバルが、今日開催されます。このため治安部隊は、来場者の安全を守る対策が万全である事を確認しました。The shopping festival that everyone had been waiting for starts today. Because of this, the security force has thoroughly checked their plan to protect the safety of those attending for any flaws.This example uses このため to explain a security measure taken because of a shopping festival.Tatoeba #662877 by qahwa, translation #1487701 by marshmallowcat
- 電車が遅れたからさ、遅刻しちゃった。The train was delayed, so I ended up being late.
- これが原因で私は疲れています。I am tired because of this.
- 事故があった結果、交通が混雑しています。Because of the accident, traffic is congested.
Example conversation
Two coworkers are discussing a delay in a project due to a system error.
- 陽葵 Himariシステムにエラーが発生しました。Shisutemu ni era ga hassei shimashita.An error occurred in the system.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのため、作業が遅れています。Kono tame, sagyō ga okurete imasu.Because of this, the work is delayed.
- 陽葵 Himari修正にはどのくらい時間がかかりますか？Shūsei ni wa dono kurai jikan ga kakarimasu ka?How long will the fix take?
- 大翔 Hirotoすぐに対応します。Sugu ni taiō shimasu.I will handle it immediately.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
