noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
Refers to the reason something happens or the origin of a situation. Used in both concrete and abstract contexts. The irregular reading げいいん is occasionally heard but considered nonstandard.
事故の原因を調査しています。
We are investigating the cause of the accident.
ストレスが病気の原因になることもある。
Stress can sometimes be the cause of illness.