ので - because ~ (softer reason)

〜ので

Meaning

Gives a reason, more polite and objective-sounding than から.

Explanation

ので attaches after a plain-form clause (な-adjectives and nouns take なので) to give a reason. It reads as a softer, more matter-of-fact justification than から, so it's common when explaining a reason politely, like asking for a favor or excusing yourself.

Formation

Sentence (plain form) + ので

Examples

今日は忙しいので、行けません。
きょうはいそがしいので、いけません。
Since I'm busy today, I can't go.
頭が痛いので、早く帰ります。
あたまがいたいので、はやくかえります。
Since I have a headache, I'll go home early.

Grammar explanations and example sentences written for NihongoTech.