What are the differences between 〜ので and 〜から?

Question

When I was studying this, my 先生 kind of brushed over the point, and then years later, I realize that they are different, but I don't know exactly how. The only thing I understand is that ので is more polite. I suppose that's because ので isn't actually "because" like から, but more a nominalized statement (の) followed by (で), making it more indirect (and we all know that indirect means more polite in Japanese). Anyone have any more information on the pair?

Answer 1

Hello!

You are right -- "から" is essentially "because" and "ので" isn't quite the same. "ので" doesn't place as much emphasis on cause and effect. A close English replacement for the word could be "since". It is better to use "ので" more passively. For example, you could use it to describe more passive emotional whims.

This is a controversial subject. I believe it falls under the issue of social nuance rather than grammar.

A good example of when not to use "から” could be when you want to avoid blaming someone. If you wanted to confront your roommate for making you late by taking too long in the bathroom, using "から" would directly blame them, whereas "ので" would be more passive.

Hope that made sense :)