‘Then‘ とは’and after that (それから、その後に)’ という意味です。
‘So‘ とは ‘and because of that (だから、そういう訳で) ‘という意味です。
‘So‘ とは ‘and because of that (だから、そういう訳で) ‘という意味です。
比べてみよう。
I worked for four hours, then I had lunch. ( = First, I worked for four hours. After that, I had lunch.)
I was very tired, so I stopped for a rest. ( = I stopped for a rest because I was very tired.)
I was very tired, so I stopped for a rest. ( = I stopped for a rest because I was very tired.)
== よくある間違い ==
I don’t like dancing, then I don’t want to go to the party.
‘Then‘ には上記とは別に’そうすると必然的に～だ(でない)’ という意味もあり、’so‘ に似ています。
例えば・・・
If I were John then I would be a man.
このニュアンスで会話の応答に使う場合、’so’ とほぼ同じように使えます。
例えば・・・
A: There isn’t a cloud in the sky.
B: Then you won’t be needing that umbrella. ( = So you won’t be needing that umbrella)
B: Then you won’t be needing that umbrella. ( = So you won’t be needing that umbrella)