Translation guide
The domino effect is a chain reaction where one event triggers a series of similar events. In Japanese, it can be expressed through specific terms, metaphors, or descriptive phrases depending on the context.
Describing a situation where one event causes a series of similar events, like falling dominoes.
The direct loanword from English, commonly used in news and formal contexts.
Describing how an event or idea spreads rapidly from one entity to another.
Ripple effect; emphasizes the spreading impact, often used in economics or social contexts.
その事件の波及効果は大きかった。
The ripple effect of that incident was huge.
ドミノ効果 is more specific to the image of falling dominoes and is often used in political or historical contexts (e.g., the domino theory). 連鎖反応 is a broader term for any chain reaction, including chemical or nuclear reactions.
核分裂の連鎖反応
nuclear fission chain reaction
その政策がドミノ効果を引き起こした。
That policy triggered a domino effect.
Literally 'chain reaction', used in both scientific and metaphorical contexts.
倒産が連鎖反応を起こした。
The bankruptcies caused a chain reaction.
Literally 'fall one after another', a vivid metaphor evoking dominoes falling.
企業が次々に倒れていった。
Companies fell one after another.
Like pulling up sweet potatoes in a chain; used for uncovering connected things one after another.
汚職が芋づる式に発覚した。
The corruption was uncovered in a domino effect.