What are Japanese sentence connectors (接続助詞)?
Japanese sentence connectors (接続助詞) are a part of speech you need to speak fluently in Japanese.
They are used to connect one sentence to another.
If you only speak in short, separate sentences, your Japanese can sound unnatural or very basic.
To express ideas like:
- giving a reason
- showing a condition
- saying something unexpected
Japanese uses sentence connectors to link sentences smoothly.
How Japanese is different from English
In English, relationships between sentences are often shown by independent words like:
- because
- but
- if
In Japanese, these relationships are often shown inside the sentence itself, by changing the form of verbs or adjectives.
That is why Japanese sentence connectors are grammar, not just vocabulary.
Why learners find sentence connectors difficult
For many learners, sentence connectors are confusing because:
- you understand the meaning, but you are not sure when to use them
- two connectors look similar, but you cannot replace one with the other
- your sentence is correct, but sounds unnatural in conversation
This happens because each connector has a different function, not just a different meaning.
If you are still at the beginner level, this explanation alone may feel a bit abstract.
For a simpler, step-by-step introduction, you can start here:
For beginner⬇︎
7 Basic Japanese Sentence Connectors (N5-N4)
For intermediate learner⬇︎
5 Japanese Sentence Connectors You Learn at Intermediate (N3–N2)
What this article covers (and what it does not)
This article focuses only on Japanese sentence connectors that are grammar, such as から, けど, and たら.
We do not cover independent connectors like だから, しかし, or でも.
These words can stand alone and work more like vocabulary or discourse markers, not grammar.
This guide is about how sentences are connected inside Japanese grammar.
Sentence connectors by 6 function
This table groups Japanese sentence connectors by function, not translation. Use it as a map before reading the sections below.
Note
This guide focuses on connectors inside one sentence (e.g. から, けど). Standalone conjunctions such as だから, しかし, そして are not included.
| Function（機能） | Connector（接続助詞） | Rough English meaning | Rough English meaning（例文） |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reason / Cause | から | because (speaker’s reason) | 雨だから、行きません。 |
| Reason / Cause | ので | because (neutral explanation) | 体調が悪いので、休みます。 |
| Contrast / Opposition | けど | but / though (casual) | 小さいけど、きれいです。 |
| Contrast / Opposition | が | but / however (neutral) | 行きたいですが、時間がありません。 |
| Contrast / Opposition | のに | even though / despite | 約束したのに、来ませんでした。 |
| Condition | たら | if / when (specific case) | 家に帰ったら、連絡します。 |
| Condition | なら | if (based on known info) | 行くなら、教えてください。 |
| Condition | と | when / if (automatic result) | 押すと、ドアが開きます。 |
| Condition | ば | if (logical / hypothetical) | 安ければ、買います。 |
| Purpose / Intention | ために | in order to / for | 健康のために、走っています。 |
| Purpose / Intention | ように | so that (desired result) | 忘れないように、書きました。 |
| Addition / Listing | て | and / so (flow) | 起きて、出かけました。 |
| Addition / Listing | し | and / plus (listing reasons) | 安いし、近いです。 |
| Time / Sequence | とき | when | 暇なとき、映画を見ます。 |
| Time / Sequence | ながら | while | 音楽を聞きながら、歩きます。 |
| Time / Sequence | うちに | while / before it changes | 暗くなるうちに、帰ります。 |
Why this guide is organized by function
Many textbooks introduce sentence connectors by level.
However, learners usually get confused by function, not level.
You may ask:
- Is this showing a reason?
- Is this a condition?
- Is this a contrast?
So in this guide, sentence connectors are grouped by what they do, not by difficulty.
Each section gives a short explanation and simple examples.
For detailed usage, this guide links to level-based articles.
Sentence connectors ① Reason and cause (理由・原因)
These sentence connectors are used to explain why something happens.
They connect a reason and a result inside one sentence.
They do not simply mean “because”.
Each one shows a different way of presenting a reason.
から (kara)
から is used to give a reason based on the speaker’s judgment or feeling.
It is common in conversation and personal statements.
Examples
今日は雨ですから、家にいます。
(Kyō wa ame desu kara, ie ni imasu.)
It’s raining today, so I’ll stay at home.
時間がないから、先に行きます。
(Jikan ga nai kara, saki ni ikimasu.)
I don’t have time, so I’ll go ahead.
ロシア語が好きだから、毎日勉強しています。
(Roshia go ga suki da kara, mainichi benkyō shite imasu.)
I like Russian, so I study every day.
→ Learn more (N5–N4)
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
ので (node)
ので is also used to give a reason, but it sounds more neutral and explanatory.
It is often used when you want to sound polite or objective.
Examples
雨が降っているので、電車で行きます。
(Ame ga futte iru node, densha de ikimasu.)
It’s raining, so I’ll go by train.
今日は休みなので、店は閉まっています。
(Kyō wa yasumi na node, mise wa shimatte imasu.)
Today is a holiday, so the shop is closed.
会議があるので、少し遅れます。
(Kaigi ga aru node, sukoshi okuremasu.)
I have a meeting, so I’ll be a little late.
→ Learn more (N5–N4)
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
Quick note
Both から and ので are often translated as “because”, but they are not interchangeable.
The difference is not only politeness, but how the speaker presents the reason.
- から shows the speaker’s personal judgment or feeling
- ので sounds more neutral, objective and explanatory
This is why learning them by function, not translation, is important.
Sentence connectors ② Contrast and opposition (逆接・対立)
These sentence connectors are used when the second part of the sentence goes against expectation.
They are more than just “but”.
Each one shows a different kind of contrast.
けど (kedo)
けど is a casual connector used to show a soft contrast.
It is very common in spoken Japanese and everyday conversation.
The second sentence often adds extra information or a small change in direction.
Examples
この店は古いけど、料理はおいしいです。
(Kono mise wa furui kedo, ryōri wa oishii desu.)
This restaurant is old, but the food is good.
中国語は難しいけど、楽しいです。
(Chūgokugo wa muzukashii kedo, tanoshii desu.)
Chinese is difficult, but it’s fun.
今日は忙しいけど、明日は時間があります。
(Kyō wa isogashii kedo, ashita wa jikan ga arimasu.)
I’m busy today, but I’ll have time tomorrow.
→ Learn more (N5–N4)
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
が (ga)
が is used to show contrast in a more neutral and formal way.
It often sounds like the speaker is giving background information first. It is common in polite speech（〜ですが…） and written Japanese（〜だが…）.
Examples
少し質問があるんですが、今よろしいですか。
(Sukoshi shitsumon ga arindesu ga, ima yoroshii desu ka.)
I have a quick question. Is now a good time?
この資料は完成しましたが、確認が必要です。
(Kono shiryō wa kansei shimashita ga, kakunin ga hitsuyō desu.)
This document is finished, but it needs to be checked.
値段は高いですが、品質はとても良いです。
(Nedan wa takai desu ga, hinshitsu wa totemo yoi desu.)
The price is high, but the quality is very good.
→ Learn more (N5–N4)
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
のに (noni)
のに is used when the result is unexpected or goes against what the speaker thinks is normal.
It often shows feelings like surprise, disappointment, or frustration.
Examples
楽しみにしていたのに、雨で行けなかったです。
(Tanoshimi ni shite ita noni, ame de ikenakatta desu.)
I was really looking forward to it, but I couldn’t go because of the rain.
勤務時間は終わったのに、残業しないといけません。
(Kinmu jikan wa owatta noni, zangyō shinai to ikemasen.)
My working hours are over, but I still have to work overtime.
締切まで時間がないのに、全然集中できません。
(Shimekiri made jikan ga nai noni, zenzen shūchū dekimasen.)
I don’t have much time until the deadline, but I can’t focus at all.
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
→ Learn more (Advanced)
Quick note
All three connectors can be translated as “but”, but they are not interchangeable.
The difference is not only meaning, but how the speaker views the situation.
This is why learning them by function is important.
Sentence connectors ③ Condition (条件)
These sentence connectors are used to talk about what happens if something is true.
They connect a condition and a result in one sentence.
They do not simply mean “if”. Each one shows a different type of condition.
たら (tara)
たら is used for a specific condition.
It often describes what happens after something is completed.
It is common in everyday conversation.
Examples
汗をかいたので、家に帰ったら、シャワーを浴びたいです。
(Ase o kaita node, ie ni kaettara, shawā o abitai desu.)
I worked up a sweat, so when I get home, I want to take a shower.
お金があったら、世界一周したいです。
(Okane ga attara, sekai isshū shitai desu.)
If I had money, I would like to travel around the world.
横浜に行くことがあったら、シュウマイを買ってきてください。
(Yokohama ni iku koto ga attara, shūmai o katte kite kudasai.)
If you happen to go to Yokohama, please buy some shumai.
→ Learn more (N5–N4)
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
なら (nara)
なら is used when the condition is already known or mentioned.
It often introduces a suggestion or response.
Examples
電車で行くなら、早く出たほうがいいです。
(Densha de iku nara, hayaku deta hō ga ii desu.)
If you’re going by train, you should leave early.
インド料理が好きなら、このレストランがおすすめです。
(Indo ryōri ga suki nara, kono resutoran ga osusume desu.)
If you like Indian food, I recommend this restaurant.
開店時間に行くなら、予約しなくて大丈夫です。
(Kaiten jikan ni iku nara, yoyaku shinakute daijōbu desu.)
If you go at opening time, you don’t need a reservation.
→ Learn more (N5–N4)
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
と (to)
と is used for natural or automatic results.
The result happens every time, without choice or intention.
Examples
このボタンを押すと、ドアが開きます。
(Kono botan o osu to, doa ga akimasu.)
If you press this button, the door opens.
春になると、花が咲きます。
(Haru ni naru to, hana ga sakimasu.)
When spring comes, flowers bloom.
砂糖を入れすぎると、甘くなります。
(Satō o iresugiru to, amakunarimasu.)
If you add too much sugar, it becomes sweet.
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
→ Learn more (Advanced)
ば (ba)
ば is used for logical or hypothetical conditions.
It sounds more formal and is common in written Japanese.
Examples
時間があれば、参加します。
(Jikan ga areba, sanka shimasu.)
If I have time, I’ll participate.
あと1000円安ければ、買っていました。
(Ato sen-en yasukereba, katte imashita.)
If it had been 1,000 yen cheaper, I would have bought it.
駅から近ければ、歩いて行けます。
(Eki kara chikakereba, aruite ikemasu.)
If it’s close to the station, we can walk.
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
→ Learn more (Advanced)
Quick note
All four connectors can be translated as “if”,
but they are not interchangeable.
The difference is not only meaning,
but what kind of condition the speaker is talking about.
- たら: a specific situation or after something happens
- なら: a known condition or topic
- と: a natural or automatic result
- ば: a logical or hypothetical condition
This is why learning them by function is important.
Sentence connectors ④ Purpose and intention (目的・意図)
These sentence connectors are used to explain why someone does something or what they want to achieve.
They connect an action and a goal in one sentence.
They are more than just “to” or “in order to”. Each one shows a different kind of intention.
ために (tame ni)
ために is used when the action is done with clear intention or purpose.
The subject usually has control or choice.
It is common in both conversation and writing.
Examples
来年、海外旅行に行くために、毎月貯金しています。
(Rainen, kaigai ryokō ni iku tame ni, maitsuki chokin shite imasu.)
I’m saving every month to go on a trip abroad next year.
健康のために、土日はジョギングしています。
(Kenkō no tame ni, do-nichi wa jogingu shite imasu.)
For my health, I go jogging on weekends.
先生になるためには、どんな資格が必要ですか？
(Sensei ni naru tame ni wa, donna shikaku ga hitsuyō desu ka?)
What kind of qualifications do you need to become a teacher?
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
→ Learn more (Advanced)
ように (yō ni)
ように is used when the result is not fully under the speaker’s control
or when the goal is a state or outcome, not a direct action.
It is also common for requests, instructions, and habits.
Examples
忘れないように、メモを取りました。
(Wasurenai yō ni, memo o torimashita.)
I took a note so I wouldn’t forget.
風が通るように、ドアを少し開けています。
(Kaze ga tōru yō ni, doa o sukoshi akete imasu.)
I keep the door slightly open so air can pass through.
風邪をひかないように、暖かくしてください。
(Kaze o hikanai yō ni, atatakaku shite kudasai.)
Please keep warm so you don’t catch a cold.
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
→ Learn more (Advanced)
Quick note
Both ために and ように express purpose,
but they are not interchangeable.
The key difference is control.
- ために: the speaker acts with clear intention and control
- ように: the result depends on the situation, habit, or condition
This is why learning them by function, not translation, is important.
Sentence connectors ⑤ Addition and listing (付加・並列)
These sentence connectors are used to add information or list reasons, actions, or qualities.
They help speakers explain things step by step or show that more than one reason or point exists.
They do not simply mean “and”.
Each one has a different role in how information is organized.
て (te)
て is used to connect actions or states in a natural flow.
It can also show that one situation leads to another.
Examples
恋人と別れて、気分が落ち込んでいます。
(Koibito to wakarete, kibun ga ochikonde imasu.)
I broke up with my partner, and I’m feeling down.
電車に乗って、会社に行きます。
(Densha ni notte, kaisha ni ikimasu.)
I take the train and go to work.
暑くて、なかなか眠れません。
(Atsukute, nakanaka nemuremasen.)
It’s hot, so I can’t sleep well.
→ Learn more (N5–N4)
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
し (shi)
し is used to list reasons or qualities.
It often suggests that there are more reasons than the ones mentioned.
Examples
この町は静かだし、住みやすいです。
(Kono machi wa shizuka da shi, sumiyasui desu.)
This town is quiet, and it’s easy to live in.
今日は雨だし、寒いし、家にいようと思います。
(Kyō wa ame da shi, samui shi, ie ni iyō to omoimasu.)
It’s raining and cold, so I think I’ll stay home.
値段も手ごろだし、デザインもいいから買いました。
(Nedan mo tegoro da shi, dezain mo ii kara kaimashita.)
The price was reasonable and the design was good, so I bought it.
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
→ Learn more (Advanced)
Quick note
Both て and し can be translated as “and”,
but they are not interchangeable.
- て: connects actions or states in a flow or situation
- し: lists reasons or qualities, often with more implied
Sentence connectors ⑥ Time and sequence (時間・前後)
These sentence connectors are used to talk about when something happens or how two actions are related in time.
They help describe timing, overlap, or change over time.
They are more than just “when” or “while”.
Each one shows a different relationship between actions.
とき (toki)
とき is used to talk about a specific time or situation.
It can refer to the past, present, or future.
It is very common in everyday conversation.
Examples
沖縄に行ったとき、暑くて驚きました。
(Okinawa ni itta toki, atsukute odorokimashita.)
When I went to Okinawa, I was surprised by how hot it was.
子どものとき、母はよく本を読んでくれました。
(Kodomo no toki, haha wa yoku hon o yonde kuremashita.)
When I was a child, my mother often read books to me.
困ったとき、親友に相談します。
(Komatta toki, shinyū ni sōdan shimasu.)
When I’m in trouble, I talk to my close friend.
→ Learn more (N5–N4)
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
ながら (nagara)
ながら is used when two actions happen at the same time and are done by the same person.
One action is usually the main action, and the other is secondary.
Examples
Podcastを聞きながら、仕事をするのが好きです。
(Poddokyasuto o kikinagara, shigoto o suru no ga suki desu.)
I like working while listening to podcasts.
毎朝、コーヒーを飲みながら、SNSをチェックします。
(Maiasa, kōhī o nominagara, SNS o chekku shimasu.)
Every morning, I check social media while drinking coffee.
歩きながら、タバコを吸わないでください。
(Arukinagara, tabako o suwanaide kudasai.)
Please don’t smoke while walking.
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
→ Learn more (Advanced)
うちに (uchi ni)
うちに is used to describe a change that happens over time
or something that happens before a situation changes.
It often suggests that the situation is not permanent.
Examples
明るいうちに、洗濯物を入れました。
(Akarui uchi ni, sentakumono o iremashita.)
I brought the laundry in while it was still light.
若いうちに、いろいろな経験をしたいです。
(Wakai uchi ni, iroiro na keiken o shitai desu.)
I want to have many different experiences while I’m young.
付き合っているうちに、だんだん愛情が深くなりました。
(Tsukiatte iru uchi ni, dandan aijō ga fukaku narimashita.)
While we were dating, our feelings gradually grew deeper.
→ Learn more (Intermediate)
→ Learn more (Advanced)
Quick note
All three connectors are related to time,
but they are not interchangeable.
The key difference is how the speaker views the timing.
- とき: a specific time or situation
- ながら: two actions happening at the same time
- うちに: change over time or a limited window
This is why learning them by function is important.
How to use this guide
This page is a reference map for Japanese sentence connectors.
You don’t need to remember everything.
When you are unsure which connector to use, come back here and check the function you want to express.
Sentence connectors are not just grammar rules.
They show how ideas are connected.
When you stop translating word by word and start choosing connectors by function, your Japanese becomes more natural.
For details, move to the level-based articles to study forms, restrictions, and examples.
If you want to go further
If this style of explanation works for you, there are a few ways to continue—no pressure.
- Patreon: deeper grammar and nuance topics
- Podcast: relaxed explanations and listening practice
- italki lessons: one-on-one conversation and guidance
Choose what fits your learning style, or simply keep using this guide as a reference.
