Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cause" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cause", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
起因
きいん (kiin)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
角が立つ
かどがたつ (kadogatatsu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cause" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 起因 and 角が立つ.
In Japanese, 起因 (きいん (kiin)) is typically associated with "cause, origin" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the underlying cause or source of an event or phenomenon. Often used in a slightly formal or analytical context, especially for negative outcomes, usually with 〜に起因する.
On the other hand, 角が立つ (かどがたつ (kadogatatsu)) maps to "Cause friction" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "cause" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "起因"
その問題は、古いシステムに起因している。
That problem is caused by the old system.
Bilingual Context for "角が立つ"
私は角が立つに興味があります。
I am interested in Cause friction.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その問題は、古いシステムに ＿＿＿ している。" (Meaning: "That problem is caused by the old system.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "起因" fits here because it means "cause, origin" in the context of: "That problem is caused by the old system.". "角が立つ" represents "Cause friction".