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How to Say ‘Because / since (so...)’ in Japanese

ので

no de

[noh deh]

💬 Usage Tip: [ので] is a softer “because” than [から]. Example: [近いので安心です] = “Because it’s close, I feel at ease.”

🇯🇵 In Japan: [ので] sounds polite and explanation-like—great for interviews when giving reasons without sounding blunt.

Phrase Breakdown

no

[noh]

because; since

Particle that links a reason to a result, polite/neutral. Often used in interviews to explain reasons: 'Because it’s close, I can…'

Example

近い の で早番も対応できます。

Because it’s close, I can also handle early shifts.

de

[deh]

and so; because (part of ので)

Combines with の to form ので ('because/since'). Used to give a reason politely.

Example

家が近いの で遅い時間も働けます。

Because my home is close, I can work late hours as well.

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