A compound noun referring to the relationship between a cause and its resulting effect. Used in both everyday and academic contexts.
Investigate the cause-and-effect relationship.
Please explain the cause and effect of this phenomenon.
因果 (いんが) also means 'cause and effect' but often carries a nuance of fate or karmic retribution, especially in Buddhist contexts. 原因結果 is more neutral and analytical.
因果関係 (いんがかんけい) specifically means 'causal relationship' and is more technical. 原因結果 is a broader term for the pair of cause and effect.
Compound of 原因 (cause) and 結果 (effect). A straightforward Sino-Japanese word formed from two common kanji compounds.