In 15 Seconds
- Used when you are the person responsible for an accident.
- Combines 'jiko' (accident) with 'okosu' (to cause/wake up).
- Never use it if you are the victim of the accident.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you are the person responsible for a mishap or a crash. It implies that your actions directly triggered the unfortunate event.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reporting a car crash to the police
昨日、交差点で事故を起こしてしまいました。
Yesterday, I caused an accident at the intersection.
Warning a friend about driving while tired
疲れている時に運転すると、事故を起こすよ。
If you drive when you're tired, you'll cause an accident.
A formal news report
その運転手は重大な事故を起こしました。
The driver caused a serious accident.
Cultural Background
The 'Bow of Apology' (謝罪会見). When a company causes an accident, the leaders must apologize publicly. Using 'okosu' in these apologies is a formal acceptance of 'Sekinin' (responsibility). The 'Finger Pointing and Calling' (指差喚呼) system used by railway workers is designed specifically to prevent 'jiko o okosu' by ensuring every action is conscious. The term '{放送事故|ほうそうじこ}' is used very broadly in Japan, covering everything from technical glitches to a guest saying something offensive. It's a popular topic on social media. In Japan, traffic accidents are often settled through 'Ji-dan' (out-of-court settlement). Admitting you 'okoshita' the accident is the first step in this negotiation.
The Regret Nuance
Always use '{起|お}こしてしまった' when talking about your own mistakes to sound more natural and humble.
Don't Blame the Victim
Using 'okosu' for someone else's accident can sound very accusatory. Be careful with your subject!
In 15 Seconds
- Used when you are the person responsible for an accident.
- Combines 'jiko' (accident) with 'okosu' (to cause/wake up).
- Never use it if you are the victim of the accident.
What It Means
This phrase is for when you are the 'main character' of a mistake. It means you triggered an accident through your own actions. Think of it as 'bringing an accident into existence.' It is not just about cars, though that is the most common use. You use it when you are the one at fault. It is a very active and direct way to state responsibility.
How To Use It
Pair the noun 事故 (jiko) with the verb 起こす (okosu). The particle を (o) connects them like glue. It is a very active phrase. You can use it in the past tense: 起こした (okoshita). Or use 起こしてしまった (okoshite shimatta) to show regret. That shimatta part adds a 'oops, I messed up' feeling. It is like saying 'I ended up causing an accident.' It feels heavy and serious.
When To Use It
Use it when talking to the police after a bump. Use it when explaining to your boss why you are late. Use it when warning a friend about dangerous driving. It is perfect for insurance claims or formal reports. Even in casual chats, it is the standard way to say it. Just be careful—it is a heavy thing to admit! It shows you are taking ownership of the situation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if someone else crashed into you. If you are the victim, use 事故に遭う (jiko ni au). 遭う means 'to encounter' or 'to meet with.' Using 起こす when you are the victim sounds very confusing. It would sound like you are confessing to a crime! Also, do not use it for tiny things like dropping a spoon. Keep it for 'real' accidents or major metaphorical disasters. If you just spilled water, こぼす (kobosu) is better.
Cultural Background
In Japan, taking responsibility is a massive cultural pillar. Admitting you 起こした (caused) it is the first step of an apology. Japanese society values the 'wa' or harmony. An accident breaks that harmony. By using this phrase, you acknowledge your role in the disruption. It shows you are not making excuses for your actions. It is about owning the situation, even if it is scary. Apologizing quickly is expected when this phrase is used.
Common Variations
You will often hear 交通事故を起こす (koutsuu jiko o okosu). That specifically means a 'traffic accident.' Another one is 不注意で事故を起こす (fuchuui de...). This means causing an accident due to 'carelessness.' If you want to be very formal, use 引き起こす (hikiokosu). That sounds more like a news report or a legal document. For a 'near miss,' people say 事故りそうになった (jikorisou ni natta). This means you almost 'accidented.'
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation suitable for most daily and professional situations. Be very careful with the distinction between 'okosu' (I caused it) and 'au' (I was involved/a victim).
The Regret Nuance
Always use '{起|お}こしてしまった' when talking about your own mistakes to sound more natural and humble.
Don't Blame the Victim
Using 'okosu' for someone else's accident can sound very accusatory. Be careful with your subject!
Broadcasting Accidents
If you see '放送事故' on a YouTube thumbnail, it usually means something went wrong during a live stream.
Transitive vs Intransitive
Remember: Okosu (I do it) vs Okiru (It happens). This is a core Japanese grammar concept.
Examples
6昨日、交差点で事故を起こしてしまいました。
Yesterday, I caused an accident at the intersection.
The 'shimatta' ending emphasizes the speaker's regret and the accidental nature.
疲れている時に運転すると、事故を起こすよ。
If you drive when you're tired, you'll cause an accident.
A direct warning using the dictionary form.
その運転手は重大な事故を起こしました。
The driver caused a serious accident.
Uses 'mashita' for a formal, objective statement of fact.
台所で事故を起こして、カレーが真っ黒焦げ！
I had an 'accident' in the kitchen, and the curry is burnt black!
A metaphorical, humorous use of the word 'accident'.
不注意で事故を起こさないように注意してください。
Please be careful not to cause an accident through carelessness.
Standard professional safety instruction.
ごめん、僕のせいで事故を起こしちゃった。
Sorry, I caused an accident because of my mistake.
Casual contraction 'shichatta' used with friends or family.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle and verb for: 'I caused an accident.'
{私|わたし}は{昨日|きのう}、{事故|じこ}___ ___。
'o okoshimashita' correctly identifies you as the person who caused it.
Fill in the verb to mean 'so as not to cause an accident'.
{事故|じこ}を{起|お}こさ___ように、{安全|あんぜん}に{運転|うんてん}してください。
The negative form 'okosanai' + 'youni' means 'so that (something) doesn't happen'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase would you use if you hit a tree with your car?
Since you hit the tree, you are the cause.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {昨日|きのう}、{車|くるま}が{壊|こわ}れたんだ。 B: え、どうしたの？ A: {不注意|ふちゅうい}で{事故|じこ}を___。
'Okoshichatta' is the casual, regretful form of 'okoshite shimatta'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Okosu vs. Au
Types of Jiko
Traffic
- • {交通事故|こうつうじこ}
- • {自損事故|じそんじこ}
Media
- • {放送事故|ほうそうじこ}
Work
- • {労働災害|ろうどうさいがい}
- • {不祥事|ふしょうじ}
Practice Bank
4 exercises{私|わたし}は{昨日|きのう}、{事故|じこ}___ ___。
'o okoshimashita' correctly identifies you as the person who caused it.
{事故|じこ}を{起|お}こさ___ように、{安全|あんぜん}に{運転|うんてん}してください。
The negative form 'okosanai' + 'youni' means 'so that (something) doesn't happen'.
Which phrase would you use if you hit a tree with your car?
Since you hit the tree, you are the cause.
A: {昨日|きのう}、{車|くるま}が{壊|こわ}れたんだ。 B: え、どうしたの？ A: {不注意|ふちゅうい}で{事故|じこ}を___。
'Okoshichatta' is the casual, regretful form of 'okoshite shimatta'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, '{事故|じこ}' is usually for more serious things like car crashes or major errors. For coffee, use '{零|こぼ}す' (to spill).
Yes, '{事故|じこ}' is inherently negative. You wouldn't use it for a 'happy accident'.
'Hiki-okosu' is more formal and often implies a chain of events or a more abstract cause-and-effect.
Use '{事故|じこ}に{遭|あ}いました' (Jiko ni aimashita).
Yes, e.g., '{機械|きかい}が{事故|じこ}を{起|お}こした' (The machine caused an accident).
Usually no, unless it's a 'medical accident' ({医療事故|いりょうじこ}) like a surgical error.
It's a slang contraction of 'jiko o okoshita' or 'jiko ni atta'. It's very casual.
Yes, '{火|ひ}を{起|お}こす' is a common phrase, but it's not an 'accident' in that case.
Yes, it is the standard term for identifying the party at fault.
Use '{事故|じこ}を{防|ふせ}ぐ' (jiko o fusegu).
Related Phrases
{事故|じこ}に{遭|あ}う
contrastTo be involved in/victim of an accident
{問題|もんだい}を{起|お}こす
similarTo cause trouble/problems
{事件|じけん}を{起|お}こす
similarTo cause an incident/crime
{引|ひ}き{起|お}こす
builds onTo bring about/trigger
{放送事故|ほうそうじこ}
specialized formBroadcasting accident
