Sometimes in life, things go well not just because of your own effort, but also thanks to someone or something else.

For example:
Thanks to my teammates, we achieved outstanding results.
Because of the beautiful weather, we had a romantic picnic date!

See? It’s not always you working hard alone, sometimes your family, friends, coworkers or even the weather gives you a little push.

In Japanese, the phrase for this is おかげで (okage de).
It’s a super common way to show gratitude or explain a positive reason for something.

Let’s take a closer look!

せいで (sei de) → because of, but used when something bad happens

私がねぼうしたせいで、予約した新幹線に乗りそこねた。
watashi ga nebou shita sei de, yoyaku shita shinkansen ni nori sokoneta
Because I overslept, we missed the reserved Shinkansen.

💡 Tip:

おかげで = positive result, shows gratitude.

せいで = negative result, shows blame.

💡 Extra Tip (fun nuance):

Even though おかげで usually shows a positive result, Japanese people sometimes use it ironically to blame someone.

だれかさんのおかげで、余計な出費が増えたよ。
dareka-san no okage de, yokei na shuppi ga fueta yo
Thanks to someone, I had extra expenses. (actually blaming them )

チームメイトのおかげで、見事な成果をあげられました。
chiimu meito no okage de, migoto na seika wo ageraremashita
Thanks to my teammates, we achieved outstanding results.

すばらしい天気のおかげで、ロマンチックなデートができました。
subarashii tenki no okage de, romanchikku na deeto ga dekimashita
Thanks to the fantastic weather, I could have a romantic date.

あなたのおかげで、元気になったよ。
anata no okage de genki ni natta yo
Thanks to you, I feel better.

インターネットのおかげで、世界中の人とつながれる。
intaanetto no okage de sekaijuu no hito to tsunagareru
Thanks to the internet, we can connect with people all over the world.

早く出発したおかげで、渋滞に巻き込まれませんでした。
hayaku shuppatsu shita okage de, juutai ni makikomaremasen deshita
Thanks to leaving early, I didn’t get caught in traffic.

野菜が安いおかげで、サラダをたくさん作って食べられる。
yasai ga yasui okage de, sarada wo takusan tsukutte taberareru
Thanks to the vegetables being cheap, I can make and eat lots of salad.

部屋が静かなおかげで、集中して勉強できました。
heya ga shizuka na okage de, shuuchuu shite benkyou dekimashita
Thanks to the room being quiet, I was able to study with focus.

• Grammar Point: おかげで (okage de)
• JLPT Level: N3
• Meaning: Thanks to, owing to, because of
• Quick Explanation: おかげで is used when something good happens as a result of someone’s help, a situation, or even luck. It literally means “thanks to” and expresses appreciation.
  

So that’s how we use おかげで in Japanese!

It’s the perfect phrase to show gratitude for positive results in your life.

みんながいるおかげで、 私は楽しく日本語を教えることができています。
Thanks to all of you, I can enjoy teaching Japanese. 💕

Now it’s your turn: try making your own sentences with おかげで and share what you’re thankful for. 

Your Sensei,

Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫

Get Hikari's JLPT Mock Exams & Preparation Lessons!

Whether you are studying to pass the JLPT or looking for a challenge in your learning journey, these courses are perfect for you!