Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "理由" vs "成果"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
理由
りゆう (riyū)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
成果
せいか (seika)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 理由 and 成果 are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
理由 (りゆう (riyū)) represents "reason; excuse" (Level: N3) and typically represents Refers to the reason or motive for an action. Contrast with 原因.
On the other hand, 成果 (せいか (seika)) translates to "result; fruits (of one's labor); achievement" (Level: N3) and is used for Refers to a good result, achievement, or the fruits of one's labor. Contrast with 結果. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "理由"
遅刻した理由を、詳しく説明してください。
Please explain the reason for your tardiness in detail.
Bilingual Sentence for "成果"
長年の研究がついに実を結び、素晴らしい_______を得ることができました。
Many years of research finally bore fruit, and we were able to obtain wonderful achievements.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "遅刻した ＿＿＿ を、詳しく説明してください。" (Meaning: "Please explain the reason for your tardiness in detail.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "理由" fits here because it represents "reason; excuse" in the context: "Please explain the reason for your tardiness in detail.".