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Look at the picture: having some free time becomes the occasion to suggest going to the social gathering.

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Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N2 · Intermediate 1

〜ことだし~koto da shi

since, given that

Use 〜ことだし to give a reason, often as a lead-in to a suggestion, decision, or intention.

How it works

  1. Look at the picture: having some free time becomes the occasion to suggest going to the social gathering.

    Look at the picture: having some free time becomes the occasion to suggest going to the social gathering.

  2. Giving one reason often implies that there are others too; you do not need to list them all.

    Giving one reason often implies that there are others too; you do not need to list them all.

  • An older student has already invited you; you use this as a reason to decide to go and take a look.

    An older student has already invited you; you use this as a reason to decide to go and take a look.

  • Attach 「ことだし」 to the plain form of a verb: あることだし、誘ってくれたことだし.

    Attach 「ことだし」 to the plain form of a verb: あることだし、誘ってくれたことだし.

  • The reason is often followed by a suggestion, decision, or intention, such as going to take a look or saying “Let’s go together.”

    The reason is often followed by a suggestion, decision, or intention, such as going to take a look or saying “Let’s go together.”

  • On seeing an information booth, you invite your companion to hear more, using “Since there’s a booth here” as the reason.

    On seeing an information booth, you invite your companion to hear more, using “Since there’s a booth here” as the reason.

  • Here, 「ことだし」 explains the reason for an action; it does not advise someone what they should do.

    Here, 「ことだし」 explains the reason for an action; it does not advise someone what they should do.

  • Example sentences

    • 週末しゅうまつshuumatsuはわwa時間じかんjikanがgaあるaruことkotoだdaし、shi、交流こうりゅうkouryuu会かいkaiにni行っいっitてteみようmiyouとto思います。おもいます。omoimasu。

      Since I have time this weekend, I think I'll try going to the exchange meeting.

    • 先輩せんぱいsenpaiがga誘っさそっsasotてteくれたことkuretakotoだdaし、shi、一度いちどichido見学けんがくkengakuにni行っいっitてte

    In a conversation

    • A
      学生がくせい団体だんたいの説明せつめいブースぶーすがあることだし、ちょっと話はなしを聞いきいてみない?みない

      A: Since there's an information booth for the student organization, why don't we go listen for a bit?

    • B
      そうだね。活動かつどうの雰囲気ふんいきを知るしることができるいい機会きかいだし、行っいってみよう。

      B: True. It's a good opportunity to get a feel for their activities, so let's go.

    • A
      経験者けいけんしゃの話はなしも聞けるきけるみたいだから、新しいあたらしいつながりができるといいね。

      A: It looks like we can also hear from people with experience, so it would be great if we could make some new connections.

    Check yourself

    1. Level 1 · Recognise

      Which sentence is correct?

    2. Level 1 · Recognise

      Listen and choose the meaning

    3. Level 2 · Build

      Put the words in order

      Since I have time this weekend, I think I'll try going to the exchange event.

    4. Level 3 · Use

      What goes in the blank?

      週末は時間がある____、交流会に行ってみようと思います。

      Since I have time on the weekend, I think I'll go to the exchange event.

    More grammar in this theme

    • 〜はずがないcannot possibly; no way
    • 〜なんてsurprise; can you believe
    • 〜ば〜ほどthe more…, the more…
    • こんな・そんな・あんな・どんなthis, that, what kind
    • こんなふうにin this way
    • 〜ことでby doing; through
    • 〜なぁsoftly voiced wish
    • 〜ことがありますsometimes happens
    • 〜こともありますsometimes also happens
    • 〜にとってfrom someone’s perspective
    • 〜ことだしsince, given that
    • 〜てくれない?casual request for help
    • 〜てくれる?could you do it for me
    • 〜じゃない?・〜んじゃない?right?; gentle suggestion
    Previous〜にとってNext〜てくれない?

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    Intermediate 1
    Time Use and Future Planning
    みます。
    mimasu。

    Since my senior invited me, I'll go take a look once.