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.
That policy triggered a domino effect.
Literally 'chain reaction', used in both scientific and metaphorical contexts.
The bankruptcies caused a chain reaction.
Literally 'fall one after another', a vivid metaphor evoking dominoes falling.
Companies fell one after another.
Describing how an event or idea spreads rapidly from one entity to another.
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.
nuclear fission chain reaction
The corruption was uncovered in a domino effect.