連鎖反応(れんさはんのう)

れんさはんのう
noun
chain reaction
scienceabstract
1. chain reaction
A series of events where each one causes or triggers the next. Used both in scientific contexts (nuclear/chemical chain reactions) and figuratively for cascading consequences.
連鎖反応(れんさはんのう)が起(お)きた。
A chain reaction occurred.
ひとつの失敗(しっぱい)が連鎖反応(れんさはんのう)を引(ひ)き起(お)こした。
One failure triggered a chain reaction.
銀行(ぎんこう)の破綻(はたん)が経済(けいざい)全体(ぜんたい)に連鎖反応(れんさはんのう)を及(およ)ぼす恐(おそ)れがある。
There is a risk that a bank failure could cause a chain reaction across the entire economy.

Usage

Used both literally in science (nuclear fission, chemical reactions) and figuratively for cascading effects in economics, social situations, and daily life. The figurative use is very common in news and business contexts.

Common collocations

Related Words

Related: 反応(はんのう) (reaction)
Related: 波及効果(はきゅうこうか) (ripple effect, spillover effect)
general
Added 2026.3.19 15:58 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
17500/17859_rensahannou