Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Reason" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "reason", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
所以
ゆえん (yuen)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
国家理性
こっかりせい (kokkarisei)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reason" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 所以 and 国家理性.
In Japanese, 所以 (ゆえん (yuen)) is typically associated with "reason; cause; origin; source; the reason why..." (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A formal and somewhat literary term. Often used in the pattern 「〜の所以」 or 「〜する所以」 to explain the fundamental reason, origin, or essence of something, implying 'the very reason why something is as it is'..
On the other hand, 国家理性 (こっかりせい (kokkarisei)) maps to "reason of state / raison d'état" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "reason" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "所以"
彼が成功した所以は、たゆまぬ努力にあった。
The reason he succeeded was his tireless effort.
Bilingual Context for "国家理性"
私は国家理性に興味があります。
I am interested in reason of state / raison d'état.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼が成功した ＿＿＿ は、たゆまぬ努力にあった。" (Meaning: "The reason he succeeded was his tireless effort.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "所以" fits here because it means "reason; cause; origin; source; the reason why..." in the context of: "The reason he succeeded was his tireless effort.". "国家理性" represents "reason of state / raison d'état".