In Japanese culture, the phrase 因果応報 (Inga Ōhō) carries the powerful idea that every action has consequences — both good and bad. It's often translated as “you reap what you sow” or “what goes around comes around.”
Image: The Japanese calligraphy for "因果応報"
What Does 因果応報 Mean?
The term comes from Buddhist philosophy:
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因 (In) means “cause,”
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果 (Ga) means “effect,”
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応 (Ō) means “corresponding,” and
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報 (Hō) means “retribution” or “reward.”
Together, 因果応報 refers to the universal law that good deeds will be rewarded and bad deeds will be punished — in this life or the next.
In everyday Japanese, it's most commonly used when someone experiences a misfortune as the result of their own bad actions. For example:
「あんなに人を騙してたんだから、因果応報だよ。」
“He tricked so many people — this is karma catching up with him.”
A Deeper and More Positive Side
While 因果応報 often carries a slightly negative tone — focusing on punishment — it also includes a hopeful message:
If you do good things, good will return to you.
In this way, it’s a beautiful reminder that kindness, generosity, and honesty aren’t just about helping others — they ultimately come back to benefit you, too.
Doing good becomes a way of shaping your own future.
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, where actions and intentions matter deeply, the idea of 因果応報 reinforces the importance of personal responsibility and moral behavior. Whether it's in folklore, daily life, or spiritual teachings, the phrase captures a sense of justice that resonates with people across generations.
TL;DR
因果応報 (Inga Ōhō) means “what goes around comes around.”
It reminds us that every action has consequences — both bad and good.
While it's often used when someone receives punishment, it also encourages us to do good, knowing that those actions will return to us someday.
So the next time you hold the door for someone, help a friend, or choose honesty over shortcuts — remember: good things have a way of finding their way back.
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