Translation guide
The relationship between actions/events and their results. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed through nouns, compound particles, and grammatical patterns that link a reason to an outcome.
Referring to the abstract principle that events have causes and consequences.
The standard term for cause and effect, often used in philosophical, scientific, or Buddhist contexts. Can also imply karma.
因果関係を証明するのは難しい。
It's difficult to prove a cause-and-effect relationship.
A more literal, explanatory phrase meaning 'cause and result'. Common in everyday explanations.
原因と結果の関係を考えてみよう。
Let's think about the relationship between cause and effect.
Expressing that one thing leads to another, often in explanations or narratives.
The most basic way to state a reason. Attach to the plain form of a verb, adjective, or noun + だ. Often used in casual speech.
雨が降ったから、試合は中止になった。
Because it rained, the game was canceled.
A slightly more formal or polite way to give a reason. Often used in written Japanese or polite speech.
電車が遅れたので、遅刻しました。
Because the train was late, I was late.
Indicates a cause or reason, often used in formal or written contexts. Can also mean 'for the purpose of'.
台風のため、飛行機が欠航になった。
Due to the typhoon, the flight was canceled.
Implies a negative cause or blame. Used when the result is undesirable.
彼のせいで、計画が台無しになった。
Because of him, the plan was ruined.
Inquiring why something happened or what caused it.
The standard word for 'why'. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.
なぜ遅れたのですか？
Why were you late?
A more colloquial 'why', often used in casual conversation.
Very casual 'why', common in everyday speech among friends.
なんで来なかったの？
Why didn't you come?
Referring to the reason or source of an event.
The most common word for 'cause' or 'reason'. Used in both technical and everyday contexts.
事故の原因はまだわかっていない。
The cause of the accident is still unknown.
A factor or contributing cause, often used in analysis or formal writing.
Referring to the result or consequence of an action.
The standard word for 'result' or 'effect'. Can be used in most situations.
努力の結果が出た。
The results of my efforts showed.
Influence or effect, often used when talking about impact on something.
Effectiveness or efficacy, often used for intended results like medicine or policies.
原因 (gen'in) refers to a direct cause, often in a causal chain. 理由 (riyū) is a reason or motive, often used for personal justifications. Use 原因 for physical or objective causes, and 理由 for explanations of actions.
火事の原因はタバコの不始末だった。
The cause of the fire was careless handling of a cigarette.
遅刻の理由を説明してください。
Please explain the reason for your lateness.
While 因果 (inga) is the direct translation, it can sound philosophical or religious. In everyday conversation, it's more natural to use patterns like 〜から or 〜ので to express causality, or to use 原因 and 結果 separately.
どうしてそんなことをしたの？
Why did you do such a thing?
成功の要因は何ですか？
What are the factors behind your success?
環境に悪い影響を与える。
It has a negative effect on the environment.
The effect of this medicine appeared immediately.