Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "結果" vs "原因"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
結果
けっか (kekka)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
原因
げんいん (gen'in)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 結果 and 原因 are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
結果 (けっか (kekka)) represents "result, consequence, outcome" (Level: N2) and typically represents Describes the outcome or effect of an action, event, or process. Can be positive or negative. 「〜の結果」で「〜のせいで」や「〜によって」という原因を表すこともあります。.
On the other hand, 原因 (げんいん (gen'in)) translates to "cause, origin, source" (Level: N2) and is used for Refers to what made something happen, especially when discussing problems or phenomena. 「〜の原因」で「〜のせいで」というニュアンスがあります。. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "結果"
努力の結果、試験に合格することができた。
As a result of my efforts, I was able to pass the exam.
Bilingual Sentence for "原因"
この事故の正確な原因はまだわかっていません。
The exact cause of this accident is not yet known.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "努力の ＿＿＿ 、試験に合格することができた。" (Meaning: "As a result of my efforts, I was able to pass the exam.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "結果" fits here because it represents "result, consequence, outcome" in the context: "As a result of my efforts, I was able to pass the exam.".