Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "原因", "迷惑をかける", "起因", "誘因"
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
迷惑をかける
めいわくをかける (meiwaku o kakeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
起因
きいん (kiin)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
誘因
ゆういん (yūin)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "cause" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "原因", "迷惑をかける", "起因", "誘因" 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.
- 迷惑をかける (めいわくをかける (meiwaku o kakeru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to cause trouble, to bother, to inconvenience" and is used when Used when one's actions cause trouble or discomfort to others. It's an important phrase for showing consideration..
- 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.
- 誘因 (ゆういん (yūin) - Level: N2): Maps to "cause, incentive, trigger" and is used when Something that leads to or prompts an action or event, often acting as a catalyst or motivator. Can be positive or negative..
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 "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.
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 "誘因"
ストレスが病気の誘因となることがある。
Stress can be a trigger for illness.
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.".