ABSTRACT
Cause and reason are similar but different concepts. On one hand, causal relationship refers to a perceived natural link between two events. On the other hand, reasoning is a process where an individual tries to make a connection between two events. In daily life, a speaker often gives causes when describing his/her physical conditions or trying to provide excuses for failing to complete some task. Reasons are primarily given in order to defend beliefs, feelings, conclusions, and actions. This chapter describes a few methods to state causes and reasons in Japanese. A sense of causal relationship depends on the natural link between the two events. The first event, which is introduced by a te-form, is interpreted as the cause, and the second as the effect. Grammar points are followed by contextualized examples and exercises which allow students to reinforce and consolidate their learning.
