因果応報

inga ōhō

noun★Intermediate◆proverb

◆ What It Really Means

The idea that one's actions will inevitably lead to consequences, either positive or negative.

¶ Literal Meaning

Cause and effect retribution

Literal Breakdown

因果cause and effect+応報retribution

◇ Mental Image

A balance scale where good deeds lead to good outcomes and bad deeds lead to bad outcomes.

◈ When to Use

A person who has been dishonest in business might lose their reputation or face legal consequences, illustrating the principle of 因果応報.

◉ Cultural Note

This concept is deeply influenced by Buddhist philosophy and is widely accepted in Japanese culture as a moral guideline.

formal

A Buddhist and philosophical concept that one's actions (good or bad) will inevitably lead to corresponding consequences, either in this life or the next.

彼は悪事を働いたが、因果応報で罰せられた

He committed evil deeds but was punished by the law of cause and effect

💡

This concept is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings and Japanese cultural values.

Collocations

因果応報を信じるto believe in the law of cause and effect

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

業phrase

karma

報いphrase

retribution

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This phrase is often used in moral or ethical discussions in Japan.

⚡Gold Rule

Usage

Avoid using this phrase in casual conversation; it is more appropriate in formal or philosophical contexts.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the Buddhist concept of karma (因果) and the idea of retribution (応報).

📝Usage Notes

Often used to explain why good or bad things happen to people based on their past actions.

Word Breakdown

因果

cause and effect

root

応報

retribution

root

和英辞典