How to say "context" in Japanese

• 文脈ぶんみゃくJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounContext in the sense of the words surrounding a passage: the flow of a text or the thread of an argument. Typical use: saying that a quotation has been taken out of context.
  言葉ことばの意味いみは文脈ぶんみゃくによって変かわりうる。↗

  The meaning of words can change according to their context.
• 脈絡みゃくらくCommon
  nounContext as the logical connection that ties statements together: coherence, a chain of reasoning. Typical use: commenting on whether someone's remarks hang together, or noting that an argument lacks coherence.
• 背景はいけいJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounContext in the sense of background: the circumstances surrounding an incident or situation. Typical use: explaining the background behind an event rather than the wording of a text.

Use 文脈 for the context of a text or passage, 脈絡 for the logical connection or coherence among statements, and 背景 for the background and circumstances surrounding an event or situation.

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

• 文脈ぶんみゃくcontext (of a passage)
• 脈絡みゃくらくlogical connection
• コンテキストcontext
• 前後関係ぜんごかんけいcontext (of a passage)
• 背景はいけいbackground (of an incident, situation, etc.)
• 前後ぜんごorder
• 後先あとさきcontext