How to say "circumstance" in Japanese

• 事柄ことがらJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounCovers 'circumstance' in the sense of a matter, thing, or affair—individual events or conditions under discussion. This is the natural word for describing or enumerating circumstances in general contexts.
  君きみの関かんする事柄ことがらではない。↗

  That is no business of yours.
• 境界きょうがい
  nounCovers 'circumstance' in the sense of one's situation or lot in life. This is a less common word and is really about one's situation in life rather than circumstances as facts or events, so it is seldom the word you want.

Use 事柄 for circumstances as events or matters being discussed, and 境界 only for one's circumstances as a lot in life; the latter is a less common choice, so 事柄 is usually the safer option.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 事柄ことがらmatter
• 境地きょうちone's lot
• 境界きょうがい(one's) lot in life
• 具合ぐあいcircumstance