Translation guide
The primary or immediate cause of an event, especially in legal or insurance contexts. In everyday Japanese, this concept is expressed through phrases indicating direct causation rather than a single fixed term.
The proximate cause of the fire was an electrical short.
A technical term used in insurance law, directly translating to 'proximate cause'. It is less common in everyday speech but precise in legal documents.
In insurance law, the principle of proximate cause is important.
A legal phrase meaning 'cause within the scope of adequate causation'. Used in tort law to determine liability, but overly formal for general use.
The damage was caused by a proximate cause related to the accident.
The main reason something happened, without legal nuance. Used in everyday explanations.
Same as above, but used in non-legal contexts. It clearly indicates the direct cause of an event.
The proximate cause of his failure was lack of preparation.
Means 'main cause' or 'primary cause'. It is slightly less precise than 'direct cause' but very natural in conversation.
A grammatical pattern meaning 'because of ~' or 'due to ~'. It is used to state the cause naturally without a noun phrase like 'proximate cause'.
Distinguishing the immediate trigger from the deeper underlying reason.
In many cases, English 'proximate cause' can be expressed more naturally with the pattern [cause]が原因で[result]. This avoids a stiff noun phrase and sounds more conversational.
The project was delayed due to that mistake (the proximate cause).
The English term 'proximate cause' is a legal term of art. A direct translation like 近接原因 is not used in Japanese. Stick to 直接の原因 or 近因 in formal contexts, and rephrase in casual speech.
The proximate cause of the accident was excessive speed.
The game was canceled due to heavy rain (the proximate cause).
歴史学では、事件の近因と遠因を区別する。
In historiography, they distinguish between proximate and ultimate causes of events.