Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cause" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cause", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
迷惑をかける
めいわくをかける (meiwaku o kakeru)
N3 / 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 迷惑をかける and 因果.
In Japanese, 迷惑をかける (めいわくをかける (meiwaku o kakeru)) is typically associated with "to cause trouble, to bother, to inconvenience" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when one's actions cause trouble or discomfort to others. It's an important phrase for showing consideration..
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 "迷惑をかける"
遅れてしまって、皆さんに迷惑をかけてしまいました。
I was late and ended up causing trouble for everyone.
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: "遅れてしまって、皆さんに迷惑をかけてしまいました。" (Meaning: "I was late and ended up causing trouble for everyone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "迷惑をかける" fits here because it means "to cause trouble, to bother, to inconvenience" in the context of: "I was late and ended up causing trouble for everyone.". "因果" represents "cause and effect; karma".