What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of subete no koto (everything/all things), ni wa (for/in the case of), riyū (reason) and ga aru (there exists).
Which one should you use?
You can use 全ては必然の結果である to formally state that everything is a result of necessity or inevitability. To express a stronger sense of conviction that there must be a reason for everything, you can use the colloquial form 全てのことには理由があるはずだ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 全てのことには理由がある is a declarative statement suitable for writing or casual speech. For highly formal and polite situations, you can use 全てのことには理由がございます, though this is rarely used in casual conversation about fate. The form 全てのことには理由があるはずだ is used for colloquial expressions of belief.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ends in the plain/dictionary form aru, making it a declarative statement suitable for writing or casual speech.
How do you pronounce it?
subete no koto ni wa riyū ga aru
Did you know?
- While 全てのことには理由がある is a translation, Japanese speakers often use the concept of en (fate or karmic connection) to explain why people meet or events occur, attributing a spiritual bond rather than a logical 'reason'.
- Japanese culture often employs a 'philosophy of acceptance' called shikata ga nai (it cannot be helped), which serves a similar social function to saying everything happens for a reason by encouraging resignation to the situation.
- Using the phrase 全てのことには理由がある can come across as unexpectedly clinical or deterministic to a native listener. It can sound like a scientist stating a mathematical certainty rather than a friend offering emotional or spiritual comfort.
Examples in context
- 人生には理由があってすべてが起こると思います。I believe that everything happens for a reason in life.
- 何事も必然だから、焦らずに進めばいいと思うよ。Since everything happens for a reason, I think you should take it easy and keep moving forward.
- 人生って、すべてには理由があるんだよ。Life, you know, there's a reason behind everything.
- 全てのことには理由がある。Subete no koto ni wa riyuu ga aru.Everything happens for a reason.
- 全てのことには理由があるはずだよ。Subete no koto ni wa riyuu ga aru hazu da yo.There must be a reason for everything.
- 全てのことには理由があるのだと信じています。Subete no koto ni wa riyuu ga aru no da to shinjite imasu.I believe that everything happens for a reason.
Example conversation
Ren is comforting Himari after she failed an exam.
- 陽葵 Himari試験に落ちちゃった。本当にショック。Shiken ni ochichatta. Hontou ni shokku.I failed the exam. I'm really shocked.
- 蓮 Ren元気を出して。全てのことには理由があるよ。Genki o dashite. Subete no koto ni wa riyuu ga aru yo.Cheer up. Everything happens for a reason.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮君にそう言ってもらえると、少し楽になる。Ren-kun ni sou itte moraeru to, sukoshi raku ni naru.Hearing you say that, Ren, makes me feel a bit better.
- 蓮 Renきっと次はもっと良いことがあるよ。Kitto tsugi wa motto yoi koto ga aru yo.I'm sure something better will happen next time.
