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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Cause" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "cause", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

誘因

ゆういん (yūin)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

因果

いんが (inga)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "cause" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 誘因 and 因果. In Japanese, 誘因 (ゆういん (yūin)) is typically associated with "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.. On the other hand, 因果 (いんが (inga)) maps to "cause and effect; karma" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in philosophical or metaphorical contexts, referring to the chain of events or karma.. A literal translation of "cause" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "因果"
善い行いをすれば善い因果が返ってくると言われる。
It is said that if you do good deeds, good karma (cause and effect) will return to you.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "ストレスが病気の ___ となることがある。" (Meaning: "Stress can be a trigger for illness.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "誘因" fits here because it means "cause, incentive, trigger" in the context of: "Stress can be a trigger for illness.". "因果" represents "cause and effect; karma".