それで

• Reading: それで
• Romaji: sorede
• Pronunciation: /so.ɾe.de/

Meaning

And so; because of that; thereupon. A conjunction indicating a result or continuation.

A conjunction that connects two sentences, indicating that the second event happened as a result of the first. It can mean 'and so,' 'therefore,' or 'because of that.' It is also used as a conversation prompt meaning 'and then?' to encourage someone to continue their story. Less formal than したがって but more logical than そして.

Examples

1. 電車が遅れた。それで会社に遅刻した。 The train was delayed. So I was late to work.
2. 雨が降っていた。それで傘を持って行った。 It was raining. So I brought an umbrella.
3. それで、どうなったの。 And then, what happened?

Usage Guide

Context: storytelling, conversation, explanations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of それ (sore, that) and で (de, particle indicating means or cause). Literally 'by means of that' or 'with that being the case.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal