JLPT N1 Grammar
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Because; due to
Category: Cause and Reason
The grammar pattern "名詞(+が) / 動詞・形容詞(普通形) + ゆえ(に)" is a formal, literary expression used to indicate a cause or reason. It suggests a logical, inevitable, or inherent consequence. This pattern is often used in writing and formal speech to convey a sense of inevitability or naturalness. For example, "彼はあまりに潔癖すぎる______、周囲との摩擦が絶えない." implies that the person's excessive cleanliness is the cause of their constant friction with those around them. This pattern is not commonly used in casual conversation, where more informal expressions like "kara" or "node" are often preferred.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative form of a noun | 名詞(+が) + 動詞・形容詞(普通形) + ゆえ(に) | 彼はあまりに潔癖すぎることゆえ、周囲との摩擦が絶えない。 |
| Attributive form of a noun | 名詞(形容詞の形) + の + 動詞・形容詞(普通形) + ゆえ(に) | 幼い過ちのゆえ、なにとぞお許しください。 |
| Nominative form of a noun | 名詞 + が + 動詞・形容詞(普通形) + ゆえ(に) | 日本は資源が乏しいゆえ、古くから技術開発に心血を注いできた。 |
彼はあまりに潔癖すぎることゆえ、周囲との摩擦が絶えない。
Kare wa arimashita kiretsuke sugiru koto yue, shūi no shasoku ga zettaikenai.
It is because he is excessively fastidious that he has constant friction with those around him.
彼はあまりに潔癖すぎること (he is excessively fastidious) ゆえ (because) 周囲との摩擦が絶えない (he has constant friction with those around him)
幼い過ちのゆえ、なにとぞお許しください。
Osanai ayamachi no yue, nani to zo o-yasukudasai.
It is because of the child's mistake that I beg you to forgive me.
幼い過ちのゆえ (because of the child's mistake) なにとぞお許しください (I beg you to forgive me)
日本は資源が乏しいゆえ、古くから技術開発に心血を注いできた。
Nihon wa shigen ga kō shī yue, furu kaku kara gijutsu kaimei ni kokoro no chi o tsukai deta.
It is because Japan lacks resources that it has long been devoted to technological development.
日本は資源が乏しいゆえ (because Japan lacks resources) 古くから技術開発に心血を注いできた (it has long been devoted to technological development)
This pattern is typically used in formal writing and speech to convey a sense of inevitability or naturalness. It is not commonly used in casual conversation, where more informal expressions like "kara" or "node" are often preferred. When using this pattern, it is essential to choose a verb or adjective in the nominative form to convey the cause or reason.
This pattern is too formal for casual conversation and may sound awkward or pretentious.
The attributive form is necessary to convey the relationship between the noun and the verb or adjective.
The two patterns have different meanings and uses, and confusing them can lead to incorrect usage.
When using this pattern on the JLPT N1 exam, be sure to choose a verb or adjective in the nominative form to convey the cause or reason. Also, pay attention to the context and choose the correct form of the noun to modify.
彼はあまりに潔癖すぎる______、周囲との摩擦が絶えない。
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