きっかけ

• Reading: きっかけ
• Romaji: kikkake
• Pronunciation: /kik.ka.ke/

Meaning

Trigger; opportunity; chance that starts something. The impetus or occasion for an event.

A noun describing the catalyst or starting point for an action or change. Almost always used in the pattern ～がきっかけで (because of / triggered by). Very common in conversation when explaining why something began or how a situation changed.

Examples

1. 友達の紹介がきっかけで日本語を勉強し始めました。 A friend's introduction was what got me started studying Japanese.
2. この本を読んだことがきっかけで料理に興味を持ちました。 Reading this book was what sparked my interest in cooking.
3. 旅行がきっかけで写真を撮るのが好きになりました。 Traveling was what made me fall in love with photography.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, storytelling, interviews

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Originally from the verb 切り掛ける (to begin cutting), referring to the initial moment of action. Over time the meaning broadened to any triggering event or opportunity.

Cultural Context

Era: Early Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal