причина — meaning in English: cause

Usage

Native Russian speakers commonly use the word 'причина' in various contexts, such as discussing personal motivations or explaining reasons behind events. For instance, one might ask, 'Какова причина твоего решения?' (What is the cause of your decision?) during a conversation about someone's choices.

Synonyms & nuances

'Причина' translates to 'cause', but its nuances may differ from 'основание' (basis) or 'повод' (pretext). While 'основание' refers to a foundational reason or justification, 'причина' is more about the triggering factor that leads to an event or action, making it the go-to choice for explaining direct causality.

Culture

'Причина' comes from the root 'причинить', which means 'to cause' or 'to bring about'. The concept of causes and effects is deeply rooted in Russian philosophy, often reflected in literature and speeches. Interestingly, the word can also imply a sense of responsibility, as in 'to be the cause of something', underscoring a cultural emphasis on accountability.

FAQ