Processing keyword: A。したがって B。(A. Shitagatte B.)
Japanese Grammar Point: A。したがって B。(A. Shitagatte B.)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese conjunction したがって (shitagatte), which is used to express a logical consequence or result. Mastering this grammar point will help you connect ideas smoothly and enhance the coherence of your speech and writing, especially in formal contexts.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
したがって means "therefore," "accordingly," or "consequently." It indicates that the statement in B is a natural or logical result of the statement in A.
Structure
The basic structure is:
A。したがって B。
- A: A statement providing a reason or cause.
- したがって: Conjunction meaning "therefore" or "consequently."
- B: A statement showing the result or conclusion derived from A.
Formation Diagram
| A (Reason/Cause) | 。 | したがって | B (Result/Conclusion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sentence | 。 | したがって | Sentence |
Usage Notes
- Formality: したがって is used primarily in formal or written Japanese.
- Function: It connects two independent clauses where the second clause is a logical outcome of the first.
- Position: It always comes after a full stop (。), linking two separate sentences.
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points
だから (dakara)
- Meaning: "So," "therefore."
- Formality: Casual speech.
- Usage: Used in everyday conversations.
- Example:
- 学校が休みです。だから、公園に行きます。
- Gakkō ga yasumi desu. Dakara, kōen ni ikimasu.
- "School is closed. So, I'm going to the park."
そのため (sono tame)
- Meaning: "For that reason," "therefore."
- Formality: Semi-formal, used in both spoken and written language.
- Usage: Indicates a reason or cause leading to a result.
- Example:
- 雨が降りました。そのため、試合は中止になりました。
- Ame ga furimashita. Sono tame, shiai wa chūshi ni narimashita.
- "It rained. Therefore, the game was canceled."
Differences with したがって
- Formality Level:
- したがって is more formal than だから and そのため.
- Usage Context:
- したがって is suitable for formal writing, academic papers, news reports, and formal speeches.
- だから is appropriate for casual, everyday conversation.
- そのため is used in both formal and semi-formal contexts.
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Formal Written Context
Japanese:
会社の売上が増加しました。したがって、ボーナスも増えました。 Romaji: Kaisha no uriage ga zōka shimashita. Shitagatte, bōnasu mo fuemashita. English: The company's sales have increased. Therefore, bonuses have also increased.
Example 2: Academic Writing
Japanese:
この薬は有効性が確認されていません。したがって、使用は控えるべきです。 Romaji: Kono kusuri wa yūkōsei ga kakunin sarete imasen. Shitagatte, shiyō wa hikaeru beki desu. English: The effectiveness of this medicine has not been confirmed. Therefore, its use should be avoided.
Example 3: Formal Speech
Japanese:
新しい法律が施行されました。したがって、企業は規則を遵守しなければなりません。 Romaji: Atarashii hōritsu ga shikō saremashita. Shitagatte, kigyō wa kisoku o junshu shinakereba narimasen. English: A new law has been enacted. Consequently, companies must comply with the regulations.
Example 4: Business Report
Japanese:
原材料の価格が高騰しています。したがって、製品の価格を見直す必要があります。 Romaji: Genzairyō no kakaku ga kōtō shite imasu. Shitagatte, seihin no kakaku o minaosu hitsuyō ga arimasu. English: The cost of raw materials is rising. Accordingly, we need to reconsider our product pricing.
Example 5: News Reporting
Japanese:
台風が接近しています。したがって、全ての便が欠航となります。 Romaji: Taifū ga sekkin shite imasu. Shitagatte, subete no bin ga kekkō to narimasu. English: A typhoon is approaching. Therefore, all flights will be canceled.
5. Cultural Notes
Formality and Politeness
- したがって is a formal conjunction used in contexts where politeness and professionalism are important.
- Common in academic, business, legal, and formal written communications.
- Using したがって appropriately demonstrates a command of formal Japanese and is important for professional interactions.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using したがって in Casual Conversations
Incorrect:
今日は暇だよ。したがって、映画を見に行こう。 Kyō wa hima da yo. Shitagatte, eiga o mi ni ikō. Why it's incorrect:
- したがって is too formal for casual conversations among friends or family.
Correction:
今日は暇だよ。だから、映画を見に行こう。 Kyō wa hima da yo. Dakara, eiga o mi ni ikō.
Mistake 2: Confusing したがって with the Verb 従って
- 従って (shitagatte) is the te-form of the verb 従う (shitagu), meaning "to follow" or "to obey."
- Context determines whether したがって is being used as a conjunction meaning "therefore" or as part of the verb 従う.
Example:
先生の指示に従って、実験を行います。 Sensei no shiji ni shitagatte, jikken o okonaimasu. "Following the teacher's instructions, we will conduct the experiment."
Tips for Learners
- Context is Key: Pay attention to the context to determine the meaning of したがって.
- Formality Awareness: Use したがって in formal settings; switch to だから or それで in casual conversations.
- Practice Formal Writing: Incorporate したがって into essays or reports to become comfortable with its usage.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- したがって means "therefore," "accordingly," or "consequently."
- Used to link two sentences where the second is a logical result of the first.
- Highly formal; appropriate for formal writing and speeches.
- Be cautious not to use したがって in casual contexts.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank with the appropriate conjunction:
ビザの期限が切れました。____、帰国しなければなりません。
a) だから
b) したがって
Answer: b) したがって - True or False: It's appropriate to use したがって in an informal conversation with a friend. Answer: False
- Which of the following is more suitable for formal writing?
a) だから
b) したがって
Answer: b) したがって - Identify the mistake in the following sentence: 試験に合格しました。したがって、パーティーを開こう！ Answer: したがって is too formal for this casual context. Replace with だから.
By understanding and correctly using したがって, you can enhance the sophistication of your Japanese in formal settings. Practice by writing sentences or paragraphs using したがって to describe logical consequences.