こととて

こととて is a formal, literary conjunction meaning "because," "since," or "on account of." It is used to provide a reason or cause, often with a nuance of offering an excuse or seeking understanding for an unfavorable situation. The speaker acknowledges the reason as something that naturally leads to the outcome, and often implies an apology or request for leniency.

This grammar point is rarely used in everyday conversation and is mostly found in written language, formal letters, speeches, and literary contexts.

Basic usage

こととて attaches to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns (with である or の).

Nuance: excuse or mitigation

こととて is used when the speaker wants to explain or justify an inadequacy, mistake, or shortcoming. It carries a tone of humility, often paired with expressions of apology or requests for forgiveness.

Comparison with related forms

• ～ことだから is a more conversational way of saying "because (that's how someone is)." こととて is more formal and literary.
• ～ので / ～から are the standard ways to express reasons. こととて is far more restricted in register and usage.
• ～とて (without こと) also exists as a literary form but has slightly different nuances, including concessive meaning ("even though").

Common patterns

こととて often appears with expressions like おゆるし許しください, ごようしゃ容赦ください, おわびお詫びもうしあげます申し上げます, reinforcing the apologetic tone.