それから

Let's dive into how to use the Japanese word それから (sore kara). You'll often hear this in daily conversations. It's a handy conjunction that means 'and then' or 'after that'. It helps connect ideas or events in a sequence.

§ Basic use: Connecting actions or events

The most common way to use それから is to link two actions or events in chronological order. Think of it as saying, 'I did X, and then I did Y.'

Structure

[Sentence/Clause 1] それから [Sentence/Clause 2]

Here, 'Sentence/Clause 1' describes the first action, and 'Sentence/Clause 2' describes the action that happens afterward.

Hint

I ate breakfast. After that, I went to school.

Hint

I did my homework. And then, I played games.

§ Using それから to list items (less common, but good to know)

While its primary use is for sequential actions, you might occasionally hear それから used to add one more item to a list, similar to 'and also' or 'what's more'. This is less common than connecting actions, but it's good to recognize.

Structure

[Item 1], [Item 2], それから [Item 3]

Hint

I bought apples, bananas, and also oranges.

§ それから vs. そして (soshite)

Both それから and そして mean 'and then' or 'after that'. However, there's a subtle difference in nuance and usage.

• それから (sore kara): Often used for actions or events that follow a previous one directly, almost like a natural progression. It can also imply a slight pause or break between the actions. It’s common in casual conversation.
• そして (soshite): Tends to connect ideas or events that are more closely related or contribute to a single narrative. It has a slightly more formal or literary feel.

Hint

I went to the store. After that, I met my friend.

Hint

He studied hard. And as a result, he passed the exam.

In the first example, there's a clear sequence of two separate actions. In the second, 'passed the exam' is a direct consequence of 'studied hard', making そして a more fitting choice to show that stronger connection.

§ Practice points for それから

To get comfortable with それから, try these:

• Describe your daily routine using それから to link your activities.
• When telling a story about something that happened, use それから to move the narrative forward.
• Pay attention to native speakers: listen for when they use それから in their conversations.

Mastering それから will make your Japanese sound more natural and help you connect your sentences smoothly. Keep practicing!

§ What それから means

Japanese Word

それから (sorekara)

Part of Speech

Conjunction

CEFR Level

A2

Definition

and then; after that; since then

§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news

You'll hear 「それから」 all the time in Japanese conversations, especially when people are explaining a sequence of events or listing items. It's super common in everyday situations, from giving instructions at work to sharing stories with friends. Let's look at some practical examples.

At Work

Imagine you're at the office, and your boss is giving you instructions for a task. They'll likely use 「それから」 to connect different steps.

Translation hint: "Copy these documents, and then please hand them to the manager."

Or maybe you're in a meeting, summarizing what's been discussed:

Translation hint: "In today's meeting, first we confirmed the project's progress. After that, we discussed the next steps."

At School

In a classroom setting, 「それから」 is useful for both teachers and students. A teacher might use it to outline the day's lesson plan:

Translation hint: "Today we will study kanji. After that, we will do grammar practice."

Students might use it when explaining a process or a series of actions they took:

Translation hint: "I went to the library and borrowed books. And then, I did my homework at a cafe."

In the News

News reports often use 「それから」 to clearly sequence events in a story, whether it's about politics, natural disasters, or everyday happenings. It helps listeners and readers follow the narrative.

Translation hint: "The police rushed to the scene and arrested the suspect. After that, they began a detailed investigation."

You might also hear it when a reporter is listing several related points or pieces of information:

Translation hint: "The government announced new economic policies. Economic recovery is expected. And then, there will be an additional announcement next week."

Everyday Conversation and Beyond

Beyond formal settings, 「それから」 is indispensable for daily chats. When describing your day, planning an outing, or telling a story, you'll reach for it naturally.

Translation hint: "I ate breakfast, and then I went for a walk with the dog."

When asking a follow-up question or adding another request:

• 「他に何かありますか？ それから、飲み物は何にしますか？」

Translation hint: "Is there anything else? And then, what would you like to drink?"

As you can see, 「それから」 is a fundamental building block for constructing clear, sequential Japanese sentences. Mastering its use will greatly improve your ability to communicate effectively in various real-world situations.