JLPT N5 Grammar (kara)

How to use

meaning 1: because; since
Verbから
Noun + だ
な-adjective + だ
い-adjective + い
meaning 2: from; since
Nounから
kara から jlpt n5 grammar meaning 文法例文 japanese flashcards

Learn Japanese grammar: (kara) / (da kara). Meaning: because; since; from.

This grammar can be used in two different ways to express two different meanings. Both forms are very commonly used in Japanese, so it is important to understand how to use both forms and to be able to comprehend them correctly.

Let’s look at some specific examples below:

Meaning 1) because; since

The first meaning expresses a cause and effect type relationship. Because of [A], [B].

ashita tesuto ga aru kara, konya benkyou tsumori da.

Since I have a test tomorrow, I plan to study tonight.

Verbs can also be used in past tense form

kesa tesuto ga atta kara, ima wa chotto tsukareta.

I had a test this morning, so I’m a bit tired now.

Nouns change to (dakara)

daiji na shiken dakara, ganbaru!

This is a very important test, so I will do my best!

な-adjectives also use (dakara)

ano hito wa itsumo totemo shizuka dakara, ichido mo hanashita koto ga nai.

That person is always really quiet, so I haven’t ever talked to them.

い-adjectives use the regular (kara) form

atsui kara, mado o akete kudasai.

It’s pretty hot, so could you please open the window?


Meaning 2) from; since

learn japanese grammar から kara

The second meaning does not imply a cause and effect relationship like meaning 1. Instead, it focuses on what comes before (kara).

[A] = From/since [A],… (note that the order is reversed compared to English)

It can be used to express something from a person

kono shatsu wa kanojo kara moratta.

I got this shirt from my girlfriend.

It can also express from/since a location/time

umareta toki kara amerika ni sundeiru.

I have been living in America since I was born.

Another example

juu nana ji kara arubaito ga aru.

I’ve got my part time job from 5pm.


Extra Study Notes

can be interchanged with to be a bit more polite.


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- Example Sentences

Each example sentence includes a Japanese hint, the romaji reading, and the English translation.

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Example #1

てんきがいいから、そとにいきたい。
tenki ga ii kara, soto ni ikitai.
Since the weather is nice, I want to go outside.
Example #2

わたしはすぐもどるから、ここでちょっとまってください。
watashi wa sugu modoru kara, koko de chotto matte kudasai.
I'll return shortly, so please wait here just a moment.
Example #3

これからもよろしくおねがいします。
kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
From now on, let's have a good relationship (I'll be counting on you).
Example #4

ここからあのえきまであるいてどれぐらいかかりますか?
koko kara ano eki made aruite dore gurai kakarimasuka?
How long does it take to walk from here to that station?
Example #5

おみせはなんじからなんじまであいていますか?
omise wa nanji kara nanji made aiteimasu ka?
What are the shop's opening hours?

Vocabulary List

KanjiKanaEnglish
明日あしたtomorrow
テストてすとtest
あるthere is (non living)
今夜こんやtonight
勉強べんきょうstudy
つもりplan
今朝けさthis morning
いまnow
ちょっとlittle bit
疲れたつかれたtired
大事だいじimportant
試験しけんexam; test
頑張るがんばるto do one's best
いつもalways
とてもvery
静かなしずかなquiet
一度もいちどもnot even once
話すはなすto talk
暑いあついhot
まどwindow
開けるあけるto open
シャツしゃつshirt
彼女かのじょgirlfriend
生まれるうまれるto be born
アメリカあめりかAmerica; USA
住むすむto live
バイトばいとpart time job
天気てんきweather
そとoutside
戻るもどるto return
待つまつto wait
えきstation
歩くあるくto walk

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