初めてだったから、びっくりしました Since it was my first earthquake, I was startled.

To explain the reason, use the particle "kara" or "because." In "[sentence 1] kara, [sentence 2]," [sentence 1] expresses the reason. It's more natural to use the plain style for [sentence 1]. The plain style does not use "-desu" or "-masu."

The polite style and the plain style:
Japanese sentences come in two styles. The polite style uses at the end of a sentence "-desu" (in a noun sentence or an adjective sentence) and "-masu" (in a verb sentence). It's appropriate for somewhat formal situations. The plain style, on the other hand, does not use "-desu" or "-masu." It's found in newspaper stories and academic reports, and heard in casual conversation.

Try explaining the reason

1Which of these three choices is the correct way to say this sentence in Japanese?

Since it rained, I didn’t go.

it rained | I didn't go

雨だった | 行きませんでした

ame datta | ikimasendeshita

2Say the sentence in Japanese, using the following word(s).

Since [sentence 1], [sentence 2].

【sentence 1】から、【sentence 2】。

【sentence 1】 kara, 【sentence 2】.

it was hot | I became tired

暑かった | 疲れました

atsukatta | tsukaremashita

3Say the sentence in Japanese, using the following word(s).

Since [sentence 1], [sentence 2].

【sentence 1】から、【sentence 2】。

【sentence 1】 kara, 【sentence 2】.

it was delicious | I had another serving

おいしかった | おかわりしました

oishikatta | okawari-shimashita

This is the TE-form of "tasukeru" or "to help." It's used to call for help in emergencies such as an illness, injury, or accident.

boosai (disaster preparedness)