因果応報(いんがおうほう)

いんがおうほう
noun
karma; divine retribution; what goes around comes around
1. karma; divine retribution
The Buddhist concept that good deeds bring good results and bad deeds bring bad results. Used to express the idea that one's actions inevitably have consequences.
因果応報(いんがおうほう)で、彼(かれ)は自分(じぶん)のした悪事(あくじ)の報(むく)いを受(う)けた。
Through karma, he faced the consequences of his misdeeds.
因果応報(いんがおうほう)を信(しん)じているので、善行(ぜんこう)を心(こころ)がけている。
Since I believe in karma, I try to do good deeds.
これも因果応報(いんがおうほう)というものだ。
This is what they call karma.

Etymology

因(いん) (cause) + 果(か) (result) + 応(おう) (response) + 報(ほう) (retribution)
"Cause and effect respond with retribution"
From Buddhist teachings about karma, where one's actions (cause) inevitably lead to results (effect), whether in this life or the next.

Usage

Used when bad things happen to someone who has done wrong, or to emphasize that good actions will eventually be rewarded. Can be used seriously or somewhat sarcastically.

Related words

Related Words

Related: 自業自得(じごうじとく) (you reap what you sow)
Related: 身(み)から出(で)た錆(さび) (problems of one's own making)
Compare: 報(むく)い (reward)
Related: 勧善懲悪(かんぜんちょうあく) (rewarding good and punishing evil)
Compare: 天道(てんとう) (the way of heaven)
general
Added 2026.1.17 2:23 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
05500/05948_ingaouhou