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 primary cause that legally or contractually leads to a result, often used in liability or insurance claims.
Literally 'direct cause'. This is the most straightforward and commonly used phrase for proximate cause in legal and insurance contexts.
火災の直接の原因は漏電だった。
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.
保険法では近因の原則が重要です。
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.
その損害は、事故と相当因果関係にある原因によって生じた。
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.
彼の失敗の直接の原因は準備不足だ。
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.
事故の主な原因はスピードの出し過ぎだった。
The proximate cause of the accident was excessive speed.
A grammatical pattern meaning 'because of ~' or 'due to ~'. It is used to state the cause naturally without a noun phrase like 'proximate cause'.
大雨が原因で試合が中止になった。
The game was canceled due to heavy rain (the proximate cause).
Distinguishing the immediate trigger from the deeper underlying reason.
Often contrasted with 根本原因 (root cause). Used in analysis or problem-solving contexts.
直接原因は操作ミスだが、根本原因は訓練不足だ。
The proximate cause was an operational error, but the root cause is insufficient training.
Can be used in philosophical discussions, but 直接原因 is more common.
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.
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.
そのミスが原因でプロジェクトが遅れた。
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.