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
帰責事由
きせきじゆう (kisekijiyuu)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cause" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 迷惑をかける and 帰責事由.
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, 帰責事由 (きせきじゆう (kisekijiyuu)) maps to "cause attributable to a party" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "帰責事由"
私は帰責事由に興味があります。
I am interested in cause attributable to a party.
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.". "帰責事由" represents "cause attributable to a party".