Exploring “それから (sorekara)”: Adding Flow to Your Japanese Conversations

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Introduction:

Greetings, fellow language enthusiasts! Today, we embark on an exciting journey into the world of Japanese grammar with a focus on the versatile expression “それから (sorekara)”. Brace yourselves for a delightful exploration filled with examples, humor, and insightful explanations.

Exploring “それから (sorekara)”:

In Japanese, “それから (sorekara)” is used to denote “and then” or “after that” in a sequence of events. Let’s dive into its usage with some examples:

Example 1:

English: I finished my homework, and then I went to bed.
Japanese: 宿題を終えた後、ベッドに行きました。 (Shukudai o oeta ato, beddo ni ikimashita.)
Romaji: Shukudai o oeta ato, beddo ni ikimashita.

Example 2:

English: We watched a movie, and then we went out for dinner.
Japanese: 映画を観て、それから外食に行きました。 (Eiga o mite, sorekara gaishoku ni ikimashita.)
Romaji: Eiga o mite, sorekara gaishoku ni ikimashita.

Sentence Structure:

The structure of sentences using “それから (sorekara)” typically involves mentioning the first action, followed by “それから (sorekara)” to indicate the subsequent action.

Exceptions:

One important exception to note is that “それから (sorekara)” is usually used in informal conversations. In formal writing or speech, alternatives such as “そして (soshite)” or “その後 (sonogo)” may be preferred.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, “それから (sorekara)” is a handy expression in Japanese for connecting sequential actions in conversations. By mastering its usage, you can add fluency and coherence to your speech. So, go ahead, practice with confidence, and watch your Japanese skills flourish!

With that, we conclude our exploration of “それから (sorekara)”. Stay tuned for more fascinating insights into the intricacies of the Japanese language in our future blogs!