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because of; due to (negative result)
Definition
The grammar pattern ～せいで (sei de) is used to indicate a cause that led to a negative result. It carries a sense of blame or misfortune, implying that the situation could have been avoided. This pattern is often used to express regret or disappointment. For example, if it rained and you couldn't go on a picnic, you would say '雨のせいでピクニックに行けませんでした' (Ame no sei de pikunikku ni ikemasen deshita), meaning 'We couldn't go on a picnic because of the rain'.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Te-form (て-form) | Verb stem + せいで | 雨が降ったせいで |
| Ta-form (た-form) | Verb stem + せいで | 雨が降ったせいで |
| Nai-form (ない-form) | Verb stem + せいで | 雨が降らなかったせいで |
Examples
雨のせいでピクニックに行けませんでした。
Ame no sei de pikunikku ni ikemasen deshita.
We couldn't go on a picnic because of the rain.
雨のせいで (Because of the rain) + ピクニックに行けませんでした (couldn't go on a picnic)
昨日遅くまで起きていたせいで今日は眠いです。
Kinou osoku made okite ita sei de kyō wa nemui desu.
I'm tired today because I stayed up late yesterday.
昨日遅くまで起きていたせいで (Because I stayed up late yesterday) + 今日は眠いです (I'm tired today)
バスが遅れたせいで約束の時間に遅れました。
Basu ga okureta sei de yakusoku no jikan ni okure mashita.
We were late because the bus was delayed.
バスが遅れたせいで (Because the bus was delayed) + 約束の時間に遅れました (We were late)
Context
The grammar pattern ～せいで is used to express regret or disappointment due to a negative result. It is often used in casual conversations and is not suitable for formal writing. It is similar to the pattern 'node' (ので), but ～せいで carries a stronger sense of blame or misfortune.
Watch out
～せいで is used to express regret or disappointment due to a negative result, while 'okage de' is used to express gratitude or appreciation for a positive result.
～せいで is used with the Te-form or Ta-form of the verb, depending on the context.
～せいで carries a stronger sense of blame or misfortune than 'node' or 'kara', which are more neutral.
Strategy
When using ～せいで in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it correctly to express regret or disappointment due to a negative result. Pay attention to the tense of the verb and the context of the sentence.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows ～せいで (sei de) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
雨のせいで、ピクニックに行けませんでした。
Pattern used: せいで
Since the result is negative (couldn't go to the picnic), 'sei de' is used.
昨日遅くまで起きていたせいで、今日は眠いです。
Pattern used: せいで
Blaming the late night for today's sleepiness.
バスが遅れたせいで、約束の時間に遅れました。
Pattern used: せいで
The cause of the negative result (being late) is the bus delay.
Interactive
雨の______、ピクニックに行けませんでした。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.