Meaning

Primary

Circumstances

Alternatives

Reason, Situation

Word Type

noun

Explanation

Occurrences and feelings make up your circumstances.

事情 is used to describe the reasons or situation behind a particular event or action. If you can't go to a party, for example, you might explain your 事情 by saying that something came up or you aren't feeling well. And if your coworker is expecting a baby, you might consider her 事情 and help reduce her workload.

Reading

じじょう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 事情を聞く

    to ask about the circumstances, to hear what the circumstances are

    事情を知る

    to learn the circumstances, to know the circumstances

    事情を話す

    to explain the circumstances

Context Sentences

大人には大人の事情があるんですよ。

Adults have adult circumstances.

警察はすべての事情を考慮しなければならない。

The police must take all circumstances into account.

事情は分かりました。こちらで何とかならないか上に話してみます。

I understand the situation. I will talk to my superiors to see if we can do something about it.

Kanji Composition