What does it mean word for word?
だから is composed of だ (da), the informal copula meaning 'is' and から (kara), meaning 'because' or 'from'. Together, they literally mean 'because it is' or 'so'.
Which one should you use?
While だから is the standard way to express 'so' in casual settings, ですから is used to indicate a reason or cause in formal or polite settings. For a softer, more conversational tone, you can add the particle ね to the end of the phrase to create だからね.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
だから is used in casual conversation or when speaking to oneself. For formal or polite situations, use ですから. In very informal or colloquial settings among close friends or family, the form だもん can also be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express 'so' or 'therefore' following a noun or a na-adjective, use なので instead of だから to achieve a slightly softer or more objective tone.
How do you pronounce it?
da kara
Did you know?
- While だから connects a cause to an effect, the word から also means 'from'. This reveals that Japanese conceptualizes a 'reason' as the starting point from which a result originates.
- The polite form ですから can be used to gently correct someone. By starting a sentence with it, a speaker can point out a mistake without being overtly aggressive.
- The variation だもん is frequently used by children or adults acting cute. It transforms a logical 'so' into a spoiled or childish excuse, often translating to 'But that is just how it is!'
Examples in context
- だから何なの？So what?This example shows how to use だから to say 'So what?'Tatoeba #203825 by small_snow, translation #1340 by Sbgodin
- だから、なに？So what are you implying?This example demonstrates using だから to imply a meaning like 'So what are you implying?'Tatoeba #10635020 by small_snow, translation #42982 by CM
- 暇だから寝よ。I'm free now, so I'll just sleep.This example shows how to use だから to connect a reason to a resulting action.Tatoeba #11256137 by sh5555, translation #12603475 by urro
- 電車が遅れたので、会社に遅刻しました。The train was delayed, so I was late for work.
- 故障が発生したので、修理に出しました。There was a malfunction, so I sent it for repairs.
- 映画が面白かったから、次は同じ監督の作品を見よう！The movie was interesting, so let's watch another film by the same director!
- あの店は料理が美味しいから、今度行こうね！The food at that restaurant is delicious, so let's go there next time!
- テストが終わったんだもん、パーティーに行こうよ！Since the test is over, let's go to the party!
- 雨が降っていたから、散歩に行けませんでした。It was raining, so I couldn't go for a walk.
- 電車が混んでいたので、別のルートで行った。The train was crowded, so I took a different route.
- 彼女は忙しいから、電話で話す時間が取りにくい。She's busy, so it's hard to find time to talk on the phone.
- 139 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A young man and woman are discussing their plans for the evening.
- 大翔 Hiroto今日は雨だ。Kyou wa ame da.It's raining today.
- 陽葵 Himariだから、どこにも行けないね。Dakara, doko ni mo ikenai ne.So, we can't go anywhere, right?
- 大翔 Hiroto家で映画を見よう。Ie de eiga o miyou.Let's watch a movie at home.
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ、賛成！Ii yo, sansei!Okay, I agree!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry だから, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
