JLPT N1 Grammar

〜より (yori)

〜より (yori)
“Because; for the reason that; due to”

This expression is used to indicate a reason or cause for a following action, state, or decision. It is a highly specialized grammatical marker used in specific formal contexts to connect a reason to a result.

  • Formality: Extremely formal and archaic. It is a remnant of classical Japanese grammar.
  • Context: Almost exclusively used in formal written documents, specifically:
    • Public notices (e.g., "Closed due to renovations").
    • Formal invitations or announcements (e.g., "Because of the limited space...").
    • Legal or bureaucratic texts.
    • Formal letters (specifically in the body of the text to explain a situation).
  • Nuance: It carries a stiff, objective, and authoritative tone. It is not used to express personal feelings or everyday reasons. It is often paired with specific formal nouns like 理由 (riyuu - reason) or 事情 (jijou - circumstances) to create a "Reason + より" structure.

Format

  • Noun + より
    改修工事のため、本日閉館。左記の理由より、何卒ご了承願いたい。 Due to renovation work, we are closed today. For the reason stated to the left, we ask for your kind understanding.
  • Verb (Plain Form) + (こと) + より
    諸般の事情により延期することとなった。 Due to various circumstances, it has been decided to postpone.

Note: This often blends with the particle 'ni yori', but in its purest N1 'yori' form, it stands alone to indicate cause in formal listings.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Because of the recent scandal, we intend to strive toward restoring trust.
  • 、。
    Due to venue circumstances, we have no choice but to reduce the capacity.
  • 、。
    For health reasons, it has been decided that I will resign from my position.
  • 、。
    Due to the intentions of the other party, we will cancel this project.
  • 、。
    Because of an unexpected situation, a delay in delivery is occurring.
  • 、。
    Due to the expiration of the contract period, we will be terminating this service.
  • 、。
    Because of a system failure, some functions have become unavailable for use.
  • 、。
    Due to the revision of laws and ordinances, we have changed the operational rules.
  • 、。
    Because of poor business performance, we have decided to refrain from new hiring.
  • 、。
    Due to various circumstances, we will be shortening our business hours.

Similar Grammar

〜ゆえに (yue ni)

“Because of; due to”
悪天候ゆえに、出発が遅れた。 Because of bad weather, the departure was delayed.

Difference:

  • 〜ゆえに is also very formal and literary, but it focuses more on the logical cause-and-effect relationship and is slightly more common in literature than in administrative notices.

〜につき (ni tsuki)

“Due to; because of (on account of)”
清掃中につき、立入禁止。 Due to cleaning, entry is prohibited.

Difference:

  • Often used on signs and notices.
  • It describes a current state that serves as the reason for a rule or restriction.

〜ばこそ (ba koso)

“Precisely because...”
親身に思えばこそ、厳しく言うのだ。 It is precisely because I care about you that I speak harshly.

Difference:

  • Emphasizes the speaker's strong conviction or emotion, which is the opposite of the objective tone of 〜より.

〜んがため (n ga tame)

“In order to; for the purpose of”
夢を叶えんがため、上京した。 In order to fulfill my dream, I moved to Tokyo.

Difference:

  • This expresses purpose (intention) rather than a cause or reason that has already occurred.

〜からある (kara aru)

“More than; as much as (used for quantity)”
10キロからある荷物を運ぶ。 To carry a load that is over 10 kilograms.

Difference:

  • Though it uses "kara/yori" related logic, it is used for scale and weight, not for reasons.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. の（　　　）、がを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. （　　　）、なが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. の（　　　）、のはと。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. の（　　　）、よりいたします。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. 中（　　　）、は。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. 上の（　　　）、のを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. した（　　　）、まだののだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. （　　　）、をするが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. のを（　　　）、あえてを次第です。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. の（　　　）、なるを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. の（　　　）、をした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. なを（　　　）、がとは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. （　　　）、がらください。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. の（　　　）、をする。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. の（　　　）、をいたします。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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