In the fast-paced world of Japanese business, explaining why something happened is just as important as the outcome itself. One phrase you will hear constantly in meetings and reports is Kekka-teki ni (結果的に). While often translated as “as a result,” it carries a specific nuance that is essential for professional communication.
Quick Summary:
Kekka-teki ni (結果的に) means “as a result,” “consequently,” or “as it turned out.” It is used to describe an outcome that followed a series of actions or events, often implying that the final result was the most significant point, regardless of the original intention.
The Meaning of Kekka-teki ni
The phrase is composed of two parts:
- Kekka (結果): Meaning “result” or “outcome.”
- -teki ni (-的に): A suffix that turns a noun into an adverb, similar to “-ly” in English.
Literally, it translates to “result-wise” or “result-ly.” In a business setting, it is used to summarize the final consequence of a project, a market shift, or a decision. It is particularly useful when you want to look back on a situation and acknowledge how things eventually landed.
Similar to how you might use Zentai-teki ni to describe something overall, Kekka-teki ni narrows the focus specifically to the end product.
How to Use It in Business
In Japanese offices, Kekka-teki ni is often used to justify a decision that might have seemed risky at first but turned out well, or to explain a situation where the outcome differed from the initial plan.
Example Dialogue
Manager: New project no shinkou wa dou desu ka? (How is the new project progressing?)
Staff: Yotei yori okuremashita ga, kekka-teki ni yori yoi deki ni narimashita. (It was delayed more than planned, but as a result, the quality became much better.)
In this context, the speaker acknowledges the delay (a negative) but uses kekka-teki ni to pivot to the positive final outcome. It shows a level of maturity and focus on the bottom line.
Nuance: Intention vs. Reality
One of the most important cultural nuances of Kekka-teki ni is that it can describe an “accidental” success. If you say, “I did X, and kekka-teki ni Y happened,” it sometimes suggests that Y wasn’t your primary goal, but it happened anyway—and usually, it’s a good thing. For instance, if you spent a lot of time on Nema-washi (consensus building) for one project, and it kekka-teki ni helped a completely different project, you would use this phrase.
Pro-Tip: Kekka-teki ni vs. Kekka-toshite
While both mean “as a result,” Kekka-toshite (結果として) is more formal and used for direct cause-and-effect relationships. Kekka-teki ni is softer and better suited for looking back at the “big picture” or describing unintended (but relevant) outcomes.
Common Phrases with Kekka-teki ni
- Kekka-teki ni seikou deshita. (As it turned out, it was a success.)
- Kekka-teki ni mondai wa arimasen. (Consequently, there are no problems.)
- Kekka-teki ni cost ga sagarimashita. (As a result, the cost decreased.)
Using this phrase helps you sound analytical and result-oriented. It demonstrates that you are evaluating the situation based on its impact rather than just the process.
