Translation guide
Expresses that one event or action causes or results in another. The focus is on the causal link, not just physical direction.
The most common meaning: an action or event directly causes a particular result, often negative or neutral.
A versatile pattern meaning 'leads to' or 'is connected to' a result. Used for both positive and negative outcomes. The noun before に is the result.
運動不足は健康問題につながる。
Lack of exercise leads to health problems.
小さな努力が大きな成功につながる。
Small efforts lead to big success.
Focuses on the final state or condition that is reached as a consequence.
A formal pattern meaning 'to lead to' or 'to result in' a particular state or conclusion. Often used in written or formal contexts.
話し合いは合意に至らなかった。
The discussion did not lead to an agreement.
Describes a road, path, or route that goes to a destination. Less common for the English 'lead to' in abstract sense.
Used for roads, paths, or passages that lead to a place. Can also be used metaphorically for understanding or connection.
この道は駅に通じている。
This road leads to the station.
Both mean 'lead to', but につながる is more neutral and can be used for positive or negative results, while を引き起こす strongly implies causing something negative or problematic. につながる is also more common in everyday speech.
運動不足は肥満につながる。
Lack of exercise leads to obesity. (neutral statement)
運動不足は肥満を引き起こす。
Lack of exercise causes obesity. (stronger, more direct causation)
English 'lead to' is often used metaphorically, but Japanese has specific verbs and patterns for causation. Using 導く (みちびく) for abstract causation can sound unnatural unless it's about guiding someone to a conclusion or action.
A transitive verb meaning 'to cause' or 'to bring about', often used for negative events like problems, accidents, or conflicts.
その政策は混乱を引き起こした。
The policy led to confusion.
ストレスは病気を引き起こすことがある。
Stress can lead to illness.
A transitive verb meaning 'to bring about' or 'to result in'. Often used for both positive and negative outcomes, with a slightly formal tone.
新しい技術は大きな変化をもたらした。
The new technology led to major changes.
その決定は予想外の結果をもたらした。
The decision led to unexpected results.
A grammar pattern indicating that a situation naturally leads to a certain outcome or decision. Often implies that the result is beyond one's direct control.
このままではプロジェクトは中止になることになる。
If things continue like this, it will lead to the project being canceled.
Literally 'to invite', but often used to mean 'to bring about' or 'to incur' something negative, like danger or misunderstanding. Somewhat formal.
その発言は誤解を招いた。
That remark led to a misunderstanding.
The incident led to a trial.
Means 'to result in' or 'to end up as'. Used when the outcome is a specific result or state.
努力したが、失敗という結果になった。
We made efforts, but it led to failure.
A formal, somewhat literary verb meaning 'to result in' or 'to boil down to'. Often used in analytical writing.
問題は結局、資金不足に帰着する。
The problem ultimately leads to a lack of funds.
A formal verb meaning 'to lead to' or 'to reach' a place. Often seen on signs or in written directions.
この階段は屋上に至る。
These stairs lead to the rooftop.