Translation guide
Expresses that something is caused by or due to a particular reason, factor, or event. Japanese uses several patterns depending on whether the cause is a noun, a verb phrase, or an abstract reason.
To say that something is caused by or due to a specific noun (e.g., an accident, a person, a disease).
Attaches to a noun to mean 'caused by N' or 'due to N'. Often used in formal or written contexts. The noun before による is the cause.
The accident was caused by the driver's carelessness.
This illness is an infection caused by a virus.
Used when the cause is something negative or blameworthy. Often implies fault or undesirable outcome. Casual to neutral.
Implies blame or negative cause. Do not use for positive or neutral causes.
I was late because of the traffic jam. (lit. caused by the traffic jam)
The picnic was canceled due to the rain.
Literally 'with N as the cause'. Neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Often used in explanations.
I got sick due to stress.
The fire was caused by an electrical leak.
Means 'because of N' or 'due to N'. Can be used for both positive and negative causes. Slightly formal.
The trains stopped due to heavy snow.
The road is closed because of construction.
To say that something is caused by an action or event described by a verb.
Used when a verb action is the negative cause. The verb is in plain form (dictionary, past, negative, etc.). Implies blame.
Negative nuance. Avoid for neutral or positive causes.
I was late for the exam because I overslept.
The party was boring because he didn't come.
Neutral way to say 'because of V-ing'. Can be used for any cause, but often implies an unfortunate result when used with past tense.
Formal and literary. Means 'as a result of V-ing' or 'caused by V-ing'. Often used in academic or technical writing.
Health is damaged by smoking.
To express that something is caused by a general reason, condition, or abstract factor.
Formal expression meaning 'originates from' or 'is caused by'. Used in reports, news, and academic contexts.
The problem is caused by a lack of communication.
The accident was caused by human error.
Literally 'comes from N'. Used for causes that are sources of feelings, conditions, or abstract outcomes. More colloquial than 起因する.
That stress is caused by overwork.
A common way to state that something is due to N. Slightly formal and explanatory.
This delay is due to a system failure.
To use the passive voice to indicate that the subject was affected by an external cause, often with a negative nuance.
The passive form can imply that the subject suffered from or was caused to experience something by N. Often used for negative events.
This is a specific use of the passive to express being adversely affected. Not all passives imply cause.
I got rained on. (lit. I was rained on by the rain.)
I was troubled because he went ahead without me. (lit. I was caused trouble by him going ahead.)
せいで implies blame or a negative cause. ために is neutral and can be used for any cause, but often appears in formal or written contexts. による is a formal, written pattern that directly links a cause to a result, often used in reports.
I got wet because of the rain (and I'm annoyed).
The game was canceled due to rain (neutral statement).
The damage caused by the rain is extensive.
English 'be caused by' often translates to a variety of Japanese patterns, not a single verb. Using a direct translation like 起こされる may sound unnatural. Choose the pattern based on the type of cause and nuance.
The game was postponed because it rained.
I was late because the roads were crowded.
彼の自信は経験から来る。
His confidence comes from experience.
The accident was caused by speeding. (formal, written)