Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "原因", "引き起こす", "起因", "因果"
All represent the core concept "cause", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
原因
げんいん (gen'in)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
引き起こす
ひきおこす (hikiokosu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
起因
きいん (kiin)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
因果
いんが (inga)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "cause" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "原因", "引き起こす", "起因", "因果" based on context.
- 原因 (げんいん (gen'in) - Level: N4): Maps to "cause, origin" and is used when Refers to the reason or origin of something, often negative or problematic. Used with ~となる.
- 引き起こす (ひきおこす (hikiokosu) - Level: N2): Maps to "to cause, to bring about, to trigger, to provoke" and is used when 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.
- 起因 (きいん (kiin) - Level: N2): Maps to "cause, origin" and is used when Refers to the underlying cause or source of an event or phenomenon. Often used in a slightly formal or analytical context, especially for negative outcomes, usually with 〜に起因する.
- 因果 (いんが (inga) - Level: N2): Maps to "cause and effect; karma" and is used when Often used in philosophical or metaphorical contexts, referring to the chain of events or karma..
Context for "原因"
事故の原因を調べています。
I am investigating the cause of the accident.
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.
Context for "起因"
その問題は、古いシステムに起因している。
That problem is caused by the old system.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "事故の ＿＿＿ を調べています。" (Meaning: "I am investigating the cause of the accident.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "原因" is correct here because it represents "cause, origin" in the context: "I am investigating the cause of the accident.".