Meaning

Primary

Thing

Alternatives

Matter, Occurrence

Word Type

noun

Explanation

Just like the kanji, this means thing, matter, or occurrence.

Unlike , which is typically used for physical objects, usually refers to "things" in the abstract or intangible sense. So, you'll see it in phrases like いい事 (a good thing), する事 (things to do), or 大切な事 (an important matter).

Reading

こと
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun'yomi reading. You haven't learned that reading yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you out:

You've done all kinds of things in your coat (こと). If you think about it, you only wear a coat when you have things to do. Try to remember all the things you've done in a coat. It's a lot! Symbolically, your coat = all the things and occurrences you've experienced, and all the matters you've had to deal with in life.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • する事

    thing to do

    やる事

    thing to do

    この事

    this matter

    食べる事

    eating, the act of eating

Context Sentences

その事については、後でまたゆっくり話しませんか。

Shall we talk about the matter later?

先生が言ってる事は半分しか分かりませんでした。

I only understood half of what the teacher was saying.

車で会社に行く事が歩いて行く事よりも多いです。

I go to work by car more often than I walk.

Kanji Composition