Japanese word

事情

Pronunciation

Romajijijō

Meaning

  • nounsituation

Example

事情がよく分かりません。ji jō ga yo ku wa ka ri ma se n

I do not understand the situation.

Illustration for 事情 (situation)

More examples

家族の事情で、旅行を延期しました。ka zoku no ji jō de ryo kō o en ki shi ma shi ta

Due to family circumstances, I postponed the trip.

Core concept

Describes the facts and conditions behind a situation, often including the reasons that explain it.

Common phrases

  • 事情があるji jō ga a ru

    have one's reasons

  • 事情を説明するji jō o setsu mei su ru

    explain the circumstances

  • 事情に詳しいji jō ni kuwa shi i

    familiar with the circumstances

Similar words

状況jōkyō: The state of things at a particular time or in a particular place.
都合tsugō: Personal circumstances that affect plans, arrangements, or availability.

Definition in Japanese

ある事柄を取り巻く状況や、その背景となる理由。a ru koto gara o to ri ma ku jō kyō ya so no hai kei to na ru ri yū

Word origin

事情 (jijō, "circumstances") combines 事 (ji, "matter") and 情 (jō, "feelings or conditions"), giving the sense of the conditions surrounding a matter.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 事情がある (jijō ga aru) often leaves the specific circumstances unstated and politely signals that a fuller explanation is not being given.

Other meanings

  • circumstancesnoun
  • reasonsnoun

Word lists with this word