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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
Close the window because it's cold. (casual)
Could you close the window because it's cold? (polite)
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.
The law of causality is a fundamental premise of classical physics.
Many buildings collapsed due to the earthquake.