How to use linking words in basic Japanese
Like in any language, linking words always play an important role in Japanese. Linking words are used to link words, phrases or sentences. They help the readers to progress from one idea (expressed by the author) to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent relationships within the text. In addition, they also help the process of interrupting and transferring ideas become fluently. Using linking words competently in speaking and writing makes our communication more effective and professional. Therefore, through this article, Learn Japanese online would like to share with you some experience in using the Japanese linking words at a basic level.
Contents
1.When you want to add some information
また : In addition, also,…
そのうえ: Besides
それに: Moreover, in addition,…
さらに: Besides, moreover, further, further more,…
Example:
彼(かれ)は料理(りょうり)が上手(じょうず)です。それに、歌(うた)がうまいです。
He is good at cooking. Besides, he is good at singing.
2. When you want to give result or conclusion
そのため: For that reason, because of,…
そこで: Thus, therefore,…
それで: And then, therefore,…
Example:
雨(あめ)が降っ(ふっ)ていた。そこで、出かけ(でかけ)なかった。
It was raining. Therefore I did not go out.
3. When explaining the reason, base
なぜなら/なぜかというと : because, the reason is…
つまり: in short, it is also, … used to explain the problem more clearly by another way.
Example:
大学(だいがく)では経済(けいざい)を勉強(べんきょう)したい。なぜなら/なぜかというと、経済(けいざい)学者(がくしゃ)になりたいからだ。
I would like to study economics at university. That’s because I want to be an economic scholar.
4. When expressing contrast
しかし/だけど/けれど(も)/でも is used when talking about contrast in general, expressing the inverse relationship between sentences: however, nevertheless, …
一方/それに対して is used when expressing the contrast by comparing one side: … on the other hand … on the contrary, meanwhile, …
だが/ところが is used when the event, situation is expected not to happen or when it comes to unexpected results : however, …
Example:
彼(かれ)は弱(じゃく)そうに見え(みえ)た。ところが簡単(かんたん)に勝っ(かっ)た。
He looked so weak. However, he won the easy.
5. When talking about choice
または is used when talking about choice: … or …, otherwise …
あるいは: either …or, or perhaps …., or maybe …
それとも: Or, or else
Example:
行く、それとも行かない。
Go or not go?
6. When adding condition or exception
ただ/ただし is used when adding conditions, expressing limitations, exceptions accompanying the previously mentioned things. Also used when emphasizing disadvantages of something.
Example:
このレストランは料理(りょうり)がとても美味い(うまい)。ただ、値段(ねだん)がちょっと高い(たかい)。
This restaurant is very delicious. However, the price is slightly high.
うちの店(みせ)は年中(ねんじゅう)無休(むきゅう)です。ただし、正月(しょうがつ)とクリスマスは休み(やすみ)です。
Our store opens all year round expect for New Year’s day and Christmas.
7. When changing the topic of the story
ところで means by the way, … suitable for using in case you want to change another topic.
では is used to open a topic: and say that …, then …
さて is also used similarly with meaning and say that …, then …
Example:
今度(こんど)のJLPTに合格(ごうかく)できてよかったですね。ところで、ご家族(ごかぞく)はお元気(げんき)ですか。
It was nice to be able to pass the next JLPT. By the way, how is your family?
Above are some linking words used in writing and speaking Japanese. Mastering the above-mentioned words, Learn Japanese online believes that you will be more confident in using Japanese to achieve the best communication effect. Invite you to see other shared articles in the category: Japanese particles
Hope you study well!
