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Because (used for excuses)
Definition
The grammar pattern "V・A・Naな・Nな + (もの)だから / もの" is used to explain a personal reason or provide an excuse for a failure or unexpected situation. It is often used by women or children in casual speech to express a personal feeling or preference. The word "もの" is used to soften the tone and make the statement less direct. This pattern is typically used in informal situations and is not suitable for formal business reports or written communication.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Na-adjective | Na-adj + な + (もの)だから | 寒いなものだから、外に出るのを嫌いだ |
| Noun | Noun + な + (もの)だから | 雨が降ってたものだから、外に出るのをやめた |
| Verb | Verb + た + (もの)だから | 食べたものだから、もう食べたくない |
Examples
道が混んでいたものだから、遅れてしまいました。すみません。
Michi ga konande ita mono dakara, osokete shimaimashita. Sumimasen.
The road was congested, so I was late. Sorry.
道が混んでいた (The road was congested) +ものだから (because of that) + 遅れてしまいました (I was late) + すみません (Sorry)
「どうして食べないの？」「だって、嫌いなんだものだから」
「Dōshite tabenai no？」「Datte, kirai nan da mono dakara」
「Why aren't you eating?」「Because I don't like it, that's why.」
どうして食べないの (Why aren't you eating?) + だって (because) + 嫌いなんだものだから (I don't like it, that's why)
昨日はとても暑かったものだから、どこへも出かけませんでした。
Kinō wa totemo atsukatta mono dakara, doko e mo dekakemasen deshita.
It was very hot yesterday, so I didn't go anywhere.
昨日はとても暑かった (It was very hot yesterday) +ものだから (because of that) + どこへも出かけませんでした (I didn't go anywhere)
Context
This pattern is typically used in informal situations, such as casual conversations with friends or family. It is not suitable for formal business reports or written communication, as it may come across as too subjective or excuse-like. In formal situations, it is better to use more objective language to explain a reason or excuse.
Watch out
This is a common mistake, especially for beginners. Remember to use 'な' after Noun or Na-adjective to form the correct pattern.
This pattern is often confused with 'koto dakara', but they have different meanings and uses. 'ものだから' is used to explain a personal reason or excuse, while 'ことだから' is used to explain a general reason or fact.
This pattern is too subjective and excuse-like for formal business reports. Use more objective language to explain a reason or excuse in formal situations.
Strategy
In the JLPT exam, this pattern is often tested in the listening section. Pay attention to the context and the speaker's tone to determine whether they are using this pattern to explain a reason or excuse. In the reading section, this pattern is often tested in the comprehension questions. Make sure to read the text carefully and understand the context before answering the questions.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V・A・Naな・Nな + （もの）だから / もの used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
道が混んでいたものだから、遅れてしまいました。すみません。
Pattern used: ものだから
Used to give a personal excuse for being late due to traffic.
「どうして食べないの？」「だって、嫌いなんだもの。」
Pattern used: もの
'Mono' at the end of a sentence provides a subjective reason/excuse.
昨日はとても暑かったものだから、どこへも出かけませんでした。
Pattern used: ものだから
Explaining the personal reason for staying home (heat).
Interactive
道が混んでいた______、遅れてしまいました。すみません。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.