How to say "affair" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 件けんnoun, counterCovers 'affair' as a specific matter, case, or item under discussion; the natural choice when referring to a particular matter already under discussion, as in 'that case we discussed'.
- 事件じけんnounMatches 'affair' when it means an incident, especially a notorious or scandalous one; the word for an event that turns into a case, such as a crime or public scandal.
- 沙汰さたnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'affair' in the sense of a state or issue, but it is seldom the word you want; at heart it means news or tidings of something rather than a way to say 'affair'.
- 浮気うわきnoun, na-adjective, suru verb, intransitive verbThe word for 'affair' in the romantic sense — sexual unfaithfulness to one's partner. Use it for 'having an affair'; it can also suggest lighter fooling around rather than a lasting relationship.
- 事柄ことがらnounCovers 'affair' as matters or circumstances in general rather than one specific case; suits talk or writing about the goings-on or the state of things, often with a collective feel.
For 'affair' as a matter or case use 件, as an incident or scandal 事件, as matters in general 事柄, as infidelity 浮気; 沙汰 is seldom the right choice.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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