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
引き起こす
ひきおこす (hikiokosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cause" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 迷惑をかける and 引き起こす.
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, 引き起こす (ひきおこす (hikiokosu)) maps to "to cause, to bring about, to trigger, to provoke" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for causing negative events like accidents, problems, or conflicts. Similar to もたらす but more commonly for negative consequences. Can also mean to pull someone up from lying down. 例: 問題を引き起こす. 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 "引き起こす"
彼の不注意が大きな事故を引き起こした。
His carelessness caused a major accident.
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.". "引き起こす" represents "to cause, to bring about, to trigger, to provoke".