契機
Meanings
1
A favorable moment or turning point that can be seized to start or change something. Often used with ～を契機に or ～を契機として.
Studying abroad became an opportunity that changed his outlook on life.
I want to use this success as a springboard to expand the business further.
2
The direct cause or catalyst that sets an event in motion. Often used with ～が契機で or ～が契機となって.
That incident was the trigger for the law to be revised.
A small mistake became the cause that escalated into a major problem.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉を契機にtaking ~ as an opportunity to (do something)
I used the move as an opportunity to reconsider my daily habits.
- 〈事〉を契機としてwith ~ serving as the turning point
Taking this failure as a turning point, he started studying seriously.
- 〈事〉が契機でwith ~ as the trigger/cause
His illness was the trigger for him to quit smoking.
- 〈事〉が契機となってwith ~ becoming the trigger for (an event)
The accident became the trigger for strengthened safety measures.