Translation and Meaning of: 事柄 - kotogara

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 事柄 (ことがら). It appears in both formal and informal contexts, but its meaning is not always obvious for those who are just starting. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and why it is important to understand it in order to master the language. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and precise explanations to aid in your learning.

Meaning and usage of 事柄

The word 事柄 (ことがら) can be translated as "matter," "issue," or "circumstance." It is used to refer to specific situations, events, or topics, often with a more formal tone. Unlike words like こと (thing) or 問題 (problem), 事柄 carries a broader sense, encoming not only isolated facts but also the context in which they occur.

A practical example would be in work meetings, where someone might say: "この事柄について話し合いましょう" (Let's discuss this matter). Here, the word helps to define the topic of conversation without sounding too casual. It also appears in legal texts, news articles, and documents, reinforcing its more serious and structured nature.

Origin and structure of kanji

The term 事柄 is composed of two kanji: 事 (thing, event) and 柄 (pattern, nature). Together, they form an idea of "the nature of an event" or "the characteristics of a topic." This combination is not random—it reflects the way Japanese often combines concepts to create more precise words.

It is worth noting that 柄 alone can mean "pattern" or "style," but in 事柄 it takes on a more abstract role. The kanji 事, on the other hand, is extremely common and appears in various other words, such as 仕事 (work) or 事件 (incident). This familiarity aids in memorization, as you have probably seen this character before.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 事柄 is to associate it with situations that require formality. Think of contexts like meetings, documents, or serious discussions—it's in these moments that the word appears most. If you are writing a professional email or preparing a presentation, try using it instead of more generic like こと.

Another tip is to pay attention when the word appears in news articles or reports. Reporters and writers often use 事柄 to address complex or sensitive topics. By getting used to these real uses, it becomes easier to incorporate it into your active vocabulary without sounding artificial.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 事項 (jikou) - Item, issue to be addressed, often in the context of documentation or records.
• 事象 (jishou) - Event or phenomenon, often used in scientific or philosophical contexts to describe specific occurrences.
• 事実 (jijitsu) - Fact or reality, referring to something that is true or proven.
• 事態 (jitai) - Situation or state of affairs, usually used to describe a specific condition or circumstance.