Meaning

Primary

Thing

Alternatives

Matter, Occurrence

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.

As a vocab word on its own, usually refers to an intangible or abstract thing, like いい事 (good thing) or する事 (things to do).

Depending on the context, it can also mean matter or occurrence, like 大切な事 (important matter) or きのうの事 (what happened yesterday).

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

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 食べる事

    eating

    する事

    thing to do

    やる事

    thing to do

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