because, since (objective reason)

ので gives a reason in a softer, more objective way than から, so it suits polite requests and explanations. It follows plain forms, with な after na-adjectives and nouns: 静かなので, 学生なので. In very polite speech it can follow ます forms.

Examples

• 頭あたまが痛い[いたい]ので、早はやく帰かえります。

  Atama ga itai node, hayaku kaerimasu.

  Since I have a headache, I will go home early.

• 明日あしたは試験しけんがあるので、今晩こんばん勉強べんきょうします。

  Ashita wa shiken ga aru node, konban benkyou shimasu.

  Because I have an exam tomorrow, I will study tonight.

Vocabulary in these examples

• 頭 head
• 痛い painful
• 早い early
• 帰る to go home; to return
• 明日 tomorrow
• 試験 exam

Related patterns · Connectors

• 〜のに although, even though, despite
• 〜ながら while doing (two actions at once)
• 〜し and what is more (listing reasons)
• 〜ても even if, even though
• 〜間に / 〜間 while, during