Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cause" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cause", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
原因
げんいん (gen'in)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
引き起こす
ひきおこす (hikiokosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cause" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 原因 and 引き起こす.
In Japanese, 原因 (げんいん (gen'in)) is typically associated with "cause, origin" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the reason or origin of something, often negative or problematic. Used with ~となる.
On the other hand, 引き起こす (ひきおこす (hikiokosu)) maps to "to cause, to bring about, to trigger, to provoke" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for causing negative events like accidents, problems, or conflicts. Similar to もたらす but more commonly for negative consequences. Can also mean to pull someone up from lying down. 例: 問題を引き起こす. A literal translation of "cause" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "原因"
事故の原因を調べています。
I am investigating the cause of the accident.
Bilingual Context for "引き起こす"
彼の不注意が大きな事故を引き起こした。
His carelessness caused a major accident.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "事故の ＿＿＿ を調べています。" (Meaning: "I am investigating the cause of the accident.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "原因" fits here because it means "cause, origin" in the context of: "I am investigating the cause of the accident.". "引き起こす" represents "to cause, to bring about, to trigger, to provoke".