Yesterday, we learned a sentence construction to say reasons using the conjunctive particle “-shi,” twice. Basically “-shi,” is to enumerate two things. Today’s sentence also raised two reasons, but uses “-shi,” only once for the first reason. For the second reason, “-kara” is used. Let’s look at today’s sentences;
A : Doushite Nihon no Hokkaido ga Sukina ndesuka. (Why do you like Hokkaido of Japan?)
B1 : Tabemono mo Oishii shi, Fu’ukei mo Kirei desu kara.
(Because foods are delicious, and scenery is beautiful.)
B2 : Onsen mo Kimochi’ii shi, and Suki’i-jou mo Arimasu kara.
(Because hot springs make me feel good, and there are many ski resorts.)
B3 : Yuki mo Mirareru shi, Ainu Bunka mo Wakarimasu kara.
(Because I can see snow, and also, I can learn about Ainu* culture.)
*= proper noun
The question A doesn’t say “Sukidesuka”, instead, it says “Sukinandesuka.” using “-ndesu” which was introduces in the section 26. “-ndesu” has a function to explain a reason/cause. Using “-ndesuka” is an effective way when asking a question using “Doushite” and “Naze” which both mean “why”.
The answers of B1 to B3 end with “-kara.” This is what Minna no Nihongo shows learners. And this is no problem, especially thinking about developmental stage of Japanese as a second language. Saying a reason is important for communication. The sentence-final particle “-kara” is introduced in early stage in Minna no Nihongo. It is at “Sample sentences” in the section 9. But to me, using “-kara” as a sentence-final particle sounds a little bit casual. Again, it’s no problem for a learner of Japanese as foreign language to end the sentence with “-kara.” But if a learner is of intermediate-level, I would like to recommend a different type of sentence ending with “kara”.
Here’s the last half of B1;
– Fu’ukei mo Kirei desu kara.
= [Subject] + [Predicate with Polite Ending] + kara.
My suggestion is as follows;
– Fu’ukei mo Kirei da kara desu.
= [Subject] + [Predicate with Short Ending] + kara desu.
B2 => Suki’i-jou mo Aru kara desu.
B3 => Ainu Bunka mo Wakaru kara desu.
I don’t think it is good to increase the number of variations in the early stage of second language learning. So just stick to the way Minna no Nihongo shows you. But let me say that it is good to end your answer with “-kara desu.” when you are asked a question starting with “Doushite (why)” or “Naze (why)”.
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This post was written with reference to the exercise A5 on Section28 of “Minna no Nihongo (2nd Edition)” published by “3A Corporation”
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