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
誘因
ゆういん (yūin)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cause" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 原因 and 誘因.
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, 誘因 (ゆういん (yūin)) maps to "cause, incentive, trigger" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Something that leads to or prompts an action or event, often acting as a catalyst or motivator. Can be positive or negative.. 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 "誘因"
ストレスが病気の誘因となることがある。
Stress can be a trigger for illness.
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.". "誘因" represents "cause, incentive, trigger".