Translation guide
The English word 'triggering' can refer to causing an event, setting off a mechanism, or provoking a strong emotional reaction. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
To express that something causes or sets off a particular event, process, or response.
A common verb meaning 'to cause' or 'to trigger' an event, often used for problems, changes, or reactions.
That remark triggered a huge controversy.
Means 'to induce' or 'to trigger', often used in medical, technical, or formal contexts.
Stress can trigger illness.
A phrase meaning 'to become the trigger/opportunity' for something, often used for positive or neutral events.
That encounter triggered a turning point in his life.
Literally 'to pull the trigger', used metaphorically for causing a significant event, often negative.
That incident triggered the war.
To express that something activates or sets off a mechanical or electronic device.
Means 'to activate' or 'to trigger' a device or system.
The sensor triggered the alarm.
Often used for starting up software or electronic devices.
Pressing the button triggers the program.
Used for triggering mechanisms, especially in formal or technical contexts like activating a safety device.
The impact triggered the airbag.
To express that something causes a strong negative emotional response, often related to trauma or sensitivity.
Means 'to trigger a trauma', commonly used in psychological contexts.
The footage triggered her trauma.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to rub someone's emotions the wrong way', often used for triggering anger or irritation.
In online or youth slang, the English word 'triggering' is sometimes used as-is in Japanese, written in katakana as トリガリング, but this is very informal and not widely understood.
That comment is seriously triggering.
The English word 'triggering' is often used in casual contexts to mean 'causing emotional distress'. In Japanese, there is no single equivalent that covers all nuances. Using 引き起こす for emotional triggering can sound unnatural; instead, use phrases like トラウマを刺激する or describe the reaction explicitly.
His words triggered my emotions.