これは
kore wa
In Japanese, "this is because" can be expressed as これは (kore wa).
The phrase is used to introduce the reason for a previously mentioned statement.
Which one should you use?
For more formal settings, なぜなら is a common and straightforward way to say "this is because". In informal spoken language, you can use だって to convey the same meaning.
How do you pronounce it?
kore wa
Did you know?
- If you use the informal だって to mean 'this is because', be careful with your tone. In many contexts, it can sound like a child making a defensive excuse or even being slightly bratty.
- In formal writing, なぜなら is almost always paired with a sentence ending in からだ or ためだ to create a logical 'bracket' for the explanation.
- The word なぜ in なぜなら comes from an ancient root meaning 'what' or 'how', effectively turning the phrase 'this is because' into 'as for the reason why'.
Examples in context
- これは、天気が悪いからです。Kore wa, tenki ga warui kara desu.This is because the weather is bad.
- これは、計画を変更したためです。Kore wa, keikaku o henkou shita tame desu.This is because the plan was changed.
- これは、彼が忙しいからです。Kore wa, kare ga isogashii kara desu.This is because he is busy.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are talking about a closed store.
- 結衣 Yuiあのお店、閉まっていますね。Ano omise, shimatte imasu ne.That shop is closed, isn't it?
- 健太 Kentaはい。今日は定休日です。Hai. Kyō wa teikyūbi desu.Yes. Today is the regular holiday.
- 結衣 Yuiこれは、びっくりしました。Kore wa, bikkuri shimashita.This is surprising.
- 健太 Kentaこれは、人気店だから休みがあるんです。Kore wa, ninkiten dakara yasumi ga aru n desu.This is because it's a popular shop, so it has days off.
