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
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 迷惑をかける and 角が立つ.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "角が立つ" represents "Cause friction".