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.
due to his mistake (negative)
thanks to your help
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.
The game was canceled due to rain.
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.
Literally 'due to the cause of ~'. Used to explicitly state the cause, often in explanations or reports.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The game was canceled due to rain. (neutral)
Many buildings collapsed due to the earthquake.
I feel down due to the weather.
To blame something or someone. Used when attributing fault.
He blamed his failure on others.
I succeeded thanks to you.
My fever went down thanks to the medicine.
The meeting is due to start at 3 o'clock.
He is due to return home next month.
Indicates that something has been decided or arranged, often implying an expectation or rule.
He is due to be transferred next year.
The accident was due to human error.
Used as a modifier before nouns to mean 'caused by' or 'due to'. Common in news headlines and formal writing.
The damage due to the typhoon is enormous.
The game was canceled because of the rain (and that's a shame).
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.
I was late because the train was delayed. (natural, casual)
I was late due to the train delay. (more formal, emphasizes cause)