Translation guide
The relationship between cause and effect. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, compound terms, and grammatical patterns. The most common and versatile term is 因果関係 (inga kankei), used in both everyday and formal contexts.
The abstract relationship between cause and effect, often used in philosophical, scientific, or everyday reasoning.
The standard term for 'causal relationship' or 'causality'. Neutral and widely used in both spoken and written Japanese.
喫煙と肺がんの因果関係は証明されている。
The causal relationship between smoking and lung cancer has been proven.
A shorter, more philosophical or literary term for 'cause and effect', often used in Buddhist or traditional contexts. Can also imply fate or karma.
因果の法則は仏教の基本的な教えだ。
The law of cause and effect is a fundamental teaching of Buddhism.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'cause and effect'. More concrete and less abstract than 因果関係.
原因と結果の関係を明確に説明してください。
Please clearly explain the relationship between cause and effect.
Causality as a concept in science, statistics, or logic, often involving rigorous analysis.
A technical term for 'causality' used in philosophy, science, and statistics. More formal and precise than 因果関係.
この研究は因果性の検証に焦点を当てている。
This research focuses on verifying causality.
The 'law of causality' or 'principle of causality', used in physics and philosophy. Very formal and academic.
How to express cause-and-effect relationships in Japanese sentences using grammatical patterns.
The most common way to express 'because' or 'so'. Attaches to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns. Used in both casual and polite speech.
雨が降ったから、試合は中止になった。
Because it rained, the game was canceled.
Similar to から but slightly more formal and often used to give reasons politely. Attaches to plain forms.
電車が遅れたので、遅刻しました。
The train was delayed, so I was late.
Used to express cause or reason, often in formal or written contexts. Can also mean 'for the purpose of'.
台風のため、飛行機が欠航した。
Due to the typhoon, the flight was canceled.
Means 'due to' or 'because of', often used to indicate a cause that leads to a result. Common in news and reports.
地震によって多くの建物が倒壊した。
Many buildings collapsed due to the earthquake.
から is the most versatile and can be used in casual and polite speech. ので is slightly more polite and often used to soften a request or excuse. ため is formal and common in writing. Avoid using から in very formal business writing; use ため or により instead.
寒いから窓を閉めて。
Close the window because it's cold. (casual)
寒いので窓を閉めていただけますか。
Could you close the window because it's cold? (polite)
寒さのため窓を閉めました。
I closed the window due to the cold. (formal/written)
While 因果 can mean causality, it also strongly carries connotations of fate, karma, or retribution in everyday language. Using it in a scientific context may sound odd. Stick to 因果関係 or 因果性 for neutral, technical discussions.
I closed the window due to the cold. (formal/written)
While 因果 can mean causality, it also strongly carries connotations of fate, karma, or retribution in everyday language. Using it in a scientific context may sound odd. Stick to 因果関係 or 因果性 for neutral, technical discussions.
因果律は古典物理学の基本的前提である。
The law of causality is a fundamental premise of classical physics.