Translation guide
Expresses that something is caused by or attributable to something else. In Japanese, this is often expressed with constructions using ため, せい, おかげ, or による, depending on whether the cause is neutral, negative, or positive, and whether it is a direct cause or a reason.
彼のミスのせいで
due to his mistake (negative)
あなたの助けのおかげで
thanks to your help
5時に到着する予定です
scheduled to arrive at 5
To state that something happens or is the case because of a particular reason or cause, without implying positive or negative evaluation.
Used after nouns (with の) or verbs/adjectives in plain form to indicate cause or reason. Neutral in tone, common in both spoken and written Japanese.
雨のため、試合は中止になった。
The game was canceled due to rain.
事故のため、電車が遅れています。
The train is delayed due to an accident.
Often used to indicate a cause, especially in formal or written contexts. Can also mean 'by means of' or 'depending on', but context clarifies the causal meaning.
地震によって多くの建物が倒壊した。
Many buildings collapsed due to the earthquake.
Literally 'due to the cause of ~'. Used to explicitly state the cause, often in explanations or reports.
ストレスが原因で体調を崩した。
I got sick due to stress.
To express that something bad happened because of someone or something, often implying blame or regret.
Used after nouns (with の) or verbs/adjectives in plain form to indicate a cause with a negative connotation. Implies that the cause is at fault.
彼のせいで遅刻した。
I was late because of him. / It was his fault I was late.
To express that something good happened because of someone or something, often implying gratitude.
Used after nouns (with の) or verbs/adjectives in plain form to indicate a positive cause. Implies that the result is favorable and often expresses thanks.
あなたのおかげで成功しました。
I succeeded thanks to you.
薬のおかげで熱が下がった。
My fever went down thanks to the medicine.
To indicate that something is expected or scheduled to occur at a certain time.
Used after nouns or verbs in dictionary form to mean 'scheduled to'. Common for plans and timetables.
会議は3時に始まる予定です。
The meeting is due to start at 3 o'clock.
To express causation in a formal, written, or academic style.
Formal expression meaning 'to originate from' or 'to be caused by'. Used in reports, academic papers, and news.
その事故は人為的ミスに起因する。
The accident was due to human error.
ため is neutral and can be used for any cause. せい implies a negative cause or blame. おかげ implies a positive cause or gratitude. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.
雨のため試合が中止になった。（中立）
The game was canceled due to rain. (neutral)
雨のせいで試合が中止になった。（残念）
The game was canceled because of the rain (and that's a shame).
I feel down due to the weather.
To blame something or someone. Used when attributing fault.
彼は自分の失敗を他人のせいにした。
He blamed his failure on others.
He is due to return home next month.
Indicates that something has been decided or arranged, often implying an expectation or rule.
彼は来年転勤することになっている。
He is due to be transferred next year.
Used as a modifier before nouns to mean 'caused by' or 'due to'. Common in news headlines and formal writing.
台風による被害は甚大だ。
The damage due to the typhoon is enormous.
雨のおかげで涼しくなった。（良い結果）
Thanks to the rain, it cooled down. (positive result)
English 'due to' is often used where Japanese would simply use から or ので for a reason. Reserve ため, せい, おかげ for when you want to emphasize the cause-effect relationship or add nuance. Overusing them can sound stiff.
電車が遅れたから遅刻した。
I was late because the train was delayed. (natural, casual)
電車の遅れのために遅刻した。
I was late due to the train delay. (more formal, emphasizes cause)
雨のおかげで涼しくなった。（良い結果）
Thanks to the rain, it cooled down. (positive result)
English 'due to' is often used where Japanese would simply use から or ので for a reason. Reserve ため, せい, おかげ for when you want to emphasize the cause-effect relationship or add nuance. Overusing them can sound stiff.
電車が遅れたから遅刻した。
I was late because the train was delayed. (natural, casual)
電車の遅れのために遅刻した。
I was late due to the train delay. (more formal, emphasizes cause)