Last week we have learned the difference between “~から” and “~ので”. This week I will show you advanced usage of these phrases especially “~ので”. First of all, let’s review the lesson of last week.
1. 聞こえないから、マイクを使っていただけませんか?
2. 聞こえないので、マイクを使っていただけませんか?
Both of them means “Could you use the microphone because I can’t hear you?”. We should use 2 in this case as it’s more courteous. If you use “~から”, it will make the other person uncomfortable as you are strongly expressing your will.
In fact, there is a more courteous way to use “~ので” which is the way of most people use in their real life as well. It is “丁寧形 + ので”. For example,
3. 聞こえませんので、マイクを使っていただけませんか?
4. 11時から2時までは禁煙ですので、ご協力ください。(It’s smoke-free during 11:00 – 14:00. Thank you for your cooperation.)
You can use this phrase when you want to get help or support from other people. It sounds like you are not making an argument but a simple circumstance explanation. Other examples are like the following.
5. 危険ですので、中に入らないよう、お願い致します。(Dangerous. Please do not entry.)
6. ドアが閉まりますので、ご注意ください。((The train’s)Door is closing. Please be careful.)
See you next time!