影響
eikyō[e̞ːkʲo̞ː]
The English word 'repercussion' can be translated into Japanese as 影響 (eikyō).
影響 is a versatile term that can mean a neutral influence, a positive effect or a negative repercussion depending on the context.
Meaning: consequence, result of action (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 影響 can mean 'repercussion', it is more commonly used for general 'influence' or 'effect', whereas English speakers often use 'repercussion' specifically for negative consequences.
How do you pronounce it?
eikyō
Did you know?
- The word 影響 consists of two kanji characters meaning 'shadow' and 'echo'. It literally describes something that casts a shadow or resonates like a sound to create an effect.
- While 影響 is common, Japanese speakers often use the phrase しわ寄せ to describe the 'repercussions' that specifically fall upon a vulnerable party as a side effect of a decision.
- If you want to emphasize that a repercussion is strictly an 'unintended consequence', Japanese speakers often use the phrase 副作用 which literally means 'side effect'.
Examples in context
- その行為には重大な反響が生じるでしょうThat act will have serious repercussions.
- 予期せぬ結果が生じたUnexpected repercussions occurred.
- 彼の言動には思わぬ反動があったThere were unforeseen repercussions to his words and actions.
- 彼女の無責任な行為の後始末に苦労したI struggled with the repercussions of her irresponsible behavior.
- その行為は深刻な結果をもたらすでしょうThat action will bring about serious repercussions.
- その事故の反響は広がっているThe repercussions of that accident are spreading.
- その決断は社会に大きな影響を与える。Sono ketsudan wa shakai ni ookina eikyou o ataeru.That decision will have a large impact on society.
- 彼の発言は周囲に悪い影響を及ぼした。Kare no hatsugen wa shuui ni warui eikyou o oyoboshita.His remarks had a bad influence on those around him.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a mistake made in a project.
- 大翔 Hiroto昨日のミスは、今後の計画に影響するかな？Kinou no misu wa, kongo no keikaku ni eikyou suru kana?Do you think yesterday's mistake will have a repercussion on future plans?
- 結衣 Yuiたぶん、少しだけ影響があると思うよ。Tabun, sukoshi dake eikyou ga aru to omou yo.I think there will probably be a slight repercussion.
- 大翔 Hiroto大翔、どうやって修正すればいいだろう。Daito, dou yatte shuusei sureba ii darou.Daito, I wonder how we should fix it.
- 結衣 Yuiまずは上司に報告しよう、結衣。Mazu wa joushi ni houkoku shiyou, Yui.Let's report it to the boss first, Yui.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 影響, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
