Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "起因", "誘因", "因果", "帰責事由"
All represent the core concept "cause", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
起因
きいん (kiin)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
誘因
ゆういん (yūin)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
因果
いんが (inga)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
帰責事由
きせきじゆう (kisekijiyuu)
C2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "cause" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "起因", "誘因", "因果", "帰責事由" based on context.
- 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..
- 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..
- 帰責事由 (きせきじゆう (kisekijiyuu) - Level: C2): Maps to "cause attributable to a party" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
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.
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.
Context for "帰責事由"
私は帰責事由に興味があります。
I am interested in cause attributable to a party.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その問題は、古いシステムに ＿＿＿ している。" (Meaning: "That problem is caused by the old system.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "起因" is correct here because it represents "cause, origin" in the context: "That problem is caused by the old system.".