Translation guide
To express that something causes a result, state, or action, Japanese uses various causative forms, particles, and verbs. The most common pattern is the causative form of verbs, but other constructions like 〜によって, 〜のせいで, and 〜につき are used depending on nuance and formality.
Express that someone makes or lets another person do an action.
The causative form of verbs is the primary way to express causing someone to do something. For godan verbs, change the final -u to -aseru (e.g., 行く → 行かせる). For ichidan verbs, replace -ru with -saseru (e.g., 食べる → 食べさせる). For irregular verbs: する → させる, 来る → 来させる. The person being made to do the action is marked with に (or を for intransitive verbs).
先生は学生に宿題をさせた。
The teacher made the students do homework.
My mother made me eat vegetables.
Using 〜てもらう implies that the subject causes someone to do something as a favor, often with a sense of receiving the action. It is softer than the direct causative.
友達に手伝ってもらった。
I had my friend help me (and I'm grateful).
Express that something causes a particular state, result, or situation.
Used to indicate the cause or means by which something happens. Often used in formal or written contexts. It can mean 'due to', 'by', or 'because of'.
地震によって多くの建物が倒壊した。
Many buildings collapsed due to the earthquake.
インターネットによって情報が簡単に手に入る。
Information is easily obtained thanks to the internet.
Used to express that something is the cause of a negative outcome. It often carries a nuance of blame or fault.
Avoid using 〜のせいで for positive outcomes; use 〜のおかげで instead.
雨のせいで試合が中止になった。
The game was canceled because of the rain.
Indicates cause or reason, often neutral. Can be used for both positive and negative situations.
台風のために電車が止まった。
The trains stopped due to the typhoon.
Formal written expression meaning 'due to' or 'because of', often seen on signs or notices.
工事中につき、ご迷惑をおかけします。
We apologize for the inconvenience due to construction.
Express that something causes a particular feeling or reaction in someone.
Use the causative form of emotion verbs (e.g., 驚く → 驚かせる, 笑う → 笑わせる) to say something causes someone to feel that way.
そのニュースは私を驚かせた。
The news surprised me.
彼の冗談はみんなを笑わせた。
His joke made everyone laugh.
For verbs that take に for the experiencer, like 感じさせる (to make feel) or 思い出させる (to remind).
この曲は私に故郷を思い出させる。
This song reminds me of my hometown.
Express that someone causes trouble, annoyance, or inconvenience to others.
Common phrase meaning 'to cause trouble' or 'to inconvenience'. Often used in apologies.
ご迷惑をおかけしてすみません。
I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
Means 'to cause someone to go to trouble' or 'to put someone out'.
お手間をかけさせて申し訳ありません。
I'm sorry to have put you to so much trouble.
〜によって is neutral/formal and often used for objective cause-effect. 〜のせいで implies blame or negative outcome. 〜のため（に） is neutral but can sound slightly formal. In casual speech, 〜で is often sufficient (e.g., 雨で試合が中止になった).
雨で試合が中止になった。
The game was canceled because of rain.
The causative form can sound forceful if not used carefully. When you want to express that you had someone do something as a favor, 〜てもらう is softer and more natural. Compare: 母に料理を作らせた (I made my mother cook) vs. 母に料理を作ってもらった (I had my mother cook for me).