JLPT N1 grammar
〜ゆえ(に) — Meaning & Examples
"Because of..." — literary/formal cause. 若さゆえの過ち = a mistake born of youth; 貧しさゆえに = because of poverty. Cf. ばこそ (more emphatic, less literary).
〜ゆえ(に) — "Because Of" (Literary)
ゆえ(に) is a literary, old-fashioned way of saying "because of" — common in narration, poetry, and formal writing, and in the fixed phrase 若さゆえ.
Pattern: [noun／な-adjective] + ゆえ(に) ／ [い-adjective／verb plain] + が故に
若さゆえの過ち。
= A mistake born of youth.
貧しさゆえに、学校に通えなかった。
= Because of poverty, she couldn't attend school.
彼は病気ゆえ、欠席した。
= He was absent due to illness.
愛するがゆえに、厳しくする。
= Precisely because I love [them], I am strict. (compare with ばこそ from the emphasis lesson — same sentiment, more literary dress)
Register: Literary/formal — novels, essays, and set phrases like 若さゆえ (the folly of youth, cause-flavoured) rather than casual speech.
Key feeling: A narrator's voice explaining fate or circumstance — weighty and a little poetic.
Practice questions
Try these 2 questions on 〜ゆえ(に). Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. 若さゆえの過ち。 means?
- A mistake despite youth
- Youth prevents mistakes
- A mistake born of youth
- An intentional mistake
Show answer
Answer: A mistake born of youth
ゆえ(に) = because of — literary cause. 若さゆえの過ち = a mistake caused by/attributable to youth.
2. 貧しさゆえに、学校に通えなかった。 uses ゆえに in what register?
- Very casual, slang
- Business email only
- Literary / formal
- Baby talk
Show answer
Answer: Literary / formal
ゆえ(に) is literary/formal — common in narration, essays, and set phrases, not casual conversation.
Practise 〜ゆえ(に) in the free app
This point is part of the “Cause, Circumstance & Manner — ゆえ(に)・とあって・なりに(の)・ずくめ” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N1 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N1 grammar points
From the same lesson: Cause, Circumstance & Manner — ゆえ(に)・とあって・なりに(の)・ずくめ
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜ゆえ(に) mean?
"Because of..." — literary/formal cause. 若さゆえの過ち = a mistake born of youth; 貧しさゆえに = because of poverty. Cf. ばこそ (more emphatic, less literary).
Is 〜ゆえ(に) on the JLPT N1 test?
〜ゆえ(に) is taught in the JLPT N1 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “Cause, Circumstance & Manner — ゆえ(に)・とあって・なりに(の)・ずくめ”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 〜ゆえ(に)?
Open the “Cause, Circumstance & Manner — ゆえ(に)・とあって・なりに(の)・ずくめ” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N1 mock exams, with no ads.