Japanese word

事故

Pronunciation

Romajijiko

Meaning

  • nounaccident

Example

事故がありました。ji ko ga a ri ma shi ta

There was an accident.

Illustration for 事故 (accident)

More examples

事故の原因を調べています。ji ko no gen in o shira be te i ma su

We are investigating the cause of the accident.

Core concept

Describes an unplanned event in which something goes wrong and causes harm or damage.

Common phrases

  • 交通事故kō tsū ji ko

    traffic accident

  • 事故に遭うji ko ni a u

    be involved in an accident

  • 事故を防ぐji ko o fuse gu

    prevent an accident

Similar words

アクシデントakushidento: A loanword for an unexpected event that causes harm or trouble.

Definition in Japanese

予期しない出来事によって人や物に損害が生じること。yo ki shi na i de ki goto ni yo tte hito ya mono ni son gai ga shō ji ru ko to

Word origin

事故 (jiko) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 事 (ji, "matter") and 故 (ko, "cause").

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 事故 (jiko) often refers to a traffic accident, but it also covers mishaps at work, school, or home.

Other meanings

  • incidentnoun

Word lists with this word