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.
その発言が大きな論争を引き起こした。
That remark triggered a huge controversy.
Means 'to induce' or 'to trigger', often used in medical, technical, or formal contexts.
ストレスが病気を誘発することがある。
Stress can trigger illness.
A phrase meaning 'to become the trigger/opportunity' for something, often used for positive or neutral events.
その出会いが彼の人生の転機のきっかけとなった。
That encounter triggered a turning point in his life.
Literally 'to pull the trigger', used metaphorically for causing a significant event, often negative.
その事件が戦争の引き金を引いた。
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.
センサーが警報を作動させた。
The sensor triggered the alarm.
Often used for starting up software or electronic devices.
ボタンを押すとプログラムが起動する。
Pressing the button triggers the program.
Used for triggering mechanisms, especially in formal or technical contexts like activating a safety device.
衝撃でエアバッグが発動した。
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.
その映像は彼女のトラウマを刺激した。
The footage triggered her trauma.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to rub someone's emotions the wrong way', often used for triggering anger or irritation.
彼の言葉は私の感情を逆なでした。
His words triggered my emotions.
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.
そのコメント、マジでトリガリング。
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.