perhaps because, maybe because

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Suggests a possible cause with some uncertainty.

[Noun の/な-adj な/い-adj/Verb plain] + せいか

疲れているせいか、集中できない。

Tsukarete iru sei ka, shuuchuu dekinai.

Perhaps because I am tired, I cannot concentrate.

年のせいか、最近物忘れが多い。

Toshi no sei ka, saikin monowasure ga ooi.

Maybe because of my age, I have been forgetful lately.

せい often implies negative cause, おかげ for positive.

～ものの

although, but, even though

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Use when speculating about a negative cause.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

Study with our comprehensive grammar guides and practice materials.