したがって

したがって is a FORMAL conjunction meaning "therefore": the preceding sentence states the grounds, and the following sentence is the inevitable conclusion drawn from those grounds. 明日は祝日です。したがって、銀行は休みです (tomorrow is a holiday. Therefore, the banks are closed). This is the word of essays, official announcements, and exams.

Because it leans toward REASONING, the clause after したがって is usually a fact, rule, or decision — not a personal emotion. Using したがって in everyday conversation sounds as stiff as reading a document aloud; there だから・それで are more natural.

Put it next to そこで to see the difference: そこで narrates "faced with that situation, someone took action," while したがって reasons "from those grounds, this conclusion necessarily follows." Finally, don't confuse it with 〜にしたがって attached after a noun/verb — that pattern means "as…, in accordance with…" and is a separate grammar point.

Examples

• 明日(あした)は祝日(しゅくじつ)です。したがって、銀行(ぎんこう)は休(やす)みです。

  Tomorrow is a public holiday. Therefore, the banks are closed.

• この製品(せいひん)は材料(ざいりょう)が高(たか)い。したがって、値段(ねだん)も高(たか)くなる。

  This product's materials are expensive. Therefore, its price is high as well.

• 台風(たいふう)が近(ちか)づいています。したがって、午後(ごご)の授業(じゅぎょう)は中止(ちゅうし)します。

  A typhoon is approaching. Therefore, afternoon classes are canceled.

Related patterns

• そこで
• 〜にしたがって