Translation and Meaning of: 事件 - jiken

The Japanese word 事件[じけん] (jiken) is often found in news, everyday conversations, and even in animes. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding its meaning, usage, and cultural context can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is perceived in Japan, and tips for memorizing it efficiently.

The term 事件[じけん] carries significant weight as it is associated with occurrences that draw attention, whether they are positive or negative. Whether in a police, historical, or social context, this word appears in various situations. Let's uncover its details so you can use it with confidence.

Meaning and Use of 事件[じけん]

事件 [じけん] is generally translated as "incident" or "case," but its meaning goes beyond that. It refers to events that have a significant impact, often involving unexpected or problematic situations. For example, a crime reported on TV can be called 事件, as well as a political scandal or a serious accident.

In everyday Japanese, this word is used in both formal and informal contexts. Newspapers and TV programs often use it to describe relevant events. If you watch a Japanese police drama, you will likely hear 事件 several times, as it is directly related to investigations and case resolutions.

Origin and Components of Kanji

The writing of 事件[じけん] is composed of two kanji: 事 (ji), which means "thing" or "matter", and 件 (ken), which can be translated as "case" or "incident". Together, they form a word that literally refers to a "relevant matter" or "significant occurrence". This combination reinforces the idea that 事件 is not just any event, but rather something that deserves attention.

It is worth noting that 件 (ken) also appears in other words related to specific situations, such as 条件 (jōken - "condition") and 用件 (yōken - "important matter"). This helps to understand why 事件 carries a more serious and formal tone compared to more generic terms like 出来事 (dekigoto - "event").

Cultural Context and Memorization Tips

In Japan, 事件[じけん] is a word that evokes a certain seriousness, often associated with crimes or incidents that generate public uproar. It frequently appears in news reports and social debates, reflecting concerns about safety and order. On the other hand, in historical contexts, it can be used to describe significant episodes, such as the Manchurian Incident (満州事変 - Manshū jihen).

To memorize this word, a useful tip is to associate it with attention-grabbing situations. Think of crime cases or unexpected events you've seen in movies or news. Another strategy is to create flashcards with sentences like その事件は解決した (sono jiken wa kaiketsu shita - "that case was solved"). This way, you reinforce the term in a contextualized and practical manner.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 事件 (jiken) - Event, incident, generally with the connotation of an occurrence outside the normal, which may involve a crime or an irregular situation.
• 事象 (jijō) - Phenomenon or occurrence, used in a more technical and comprehensive way to describe events that can be studied or analyzed.
• 出来事 (dekigoto) - Fact or event that occurred, generally used to describe significant or memorable occurrences.
• 事態 (jitai) - Situation or state of affairs, often referring to a critical or problematic condition that has arisen from an event.
• 事柄 (kotogara) - Subject or issue, referring to a particular theme or topic related to an event or situation.

事件

Romaji: jiken
Kana: じけん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: event; case; incident; case; plot; issue; scandal

Meaning in English: event;affair;incident;case;plot;trouble;scandal

Definition: events or events that have occurred.

Example Sentences - (事件) jiken

See below some example sentences:

この事件の推定犯人は誰ですか？

Kono jiken no suitei hannin wa dare desu ka?

Who is the suspect in this incident?

Who is the estimated culprit in this case?

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 事件 - noun "incident"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 推定 - noun "estimate"
• 犯人 - noun "criminal"
• は - topic particle "は"
• 誰 - interrogative pronoun "who"
• ですか - interrogative particle "is?"

この事件の経緯を調べる必要があります。

Kono jiken no keii wo shiraberu hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to investigate the history of this incident.

It is necessary to examine the background of this case.

• この - this
• 事件 - incident
• の - of
• 経緯 - circumstances
• を - object of the action
• 調べる - investigate
• 必要 - necessary
• が - subject particle
• あります - exists

この事件は非常に深刻です。

Kono jiken wa hijō ni shinkoku desu

This incident is very serious.

This case is very serious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 事件 - noun that means "incident" or "case"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 深刻 - adjective that means "serious" or "severe"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative

この事件は大きな騒動を引き起こした。

Kono jiken wa ookina soudou wo hikiokoshita

This case caused a great deal of turmoil.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 事件 - noun meaning "incident" or "event"
• は - topic particle indicating that what follows is the main subject of the sentence
• 大きな - adjective meaning "big" or "important", followed by the linking particle "na"
• 騒動 - noun meaning "disturbance" or "confusion"
• を - object particle indicating that what follows is the direct object of the sentence
• 引き起こした - verb meaning "caused" or "provoked", conjugated in the past and followed by the ending particle "ta"

私はその事件に関与していない。

Watashi wa sono jiken ni kan'yo shite inai

I am not involved in this incident.

I am not involved in the case.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• その - 日本語の指示代名詞で「それ」にあたるのは「あれ」です。
• 事件 - 日本語の名詞で「事件」または「ケース」を意味します。
• に - particle that indicates action or direction
• 関与 - Japanese verb that means "involvement" or "participation"
• していない - the negative form of the verb する (suru) means "to not do" or "to not be involved".

警部は事件の捜査を担当しています。

Keibu wa jiken no sousa wo tantou shiteimasu

The inspector is responsible for investigating the case.

The inspector is responsible for investigating the case.

• 警部 (Keibu) - Title of a high-ranking Japanese police officer
• は (wa) - Topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "警部".
• 事件 (jiken) - Incident or case
• の (no) - Possessive particle that indicates that the "jiken" is the object of the action.
• 捜査 (sousa) - Investigation
• を (wo) - Object particle that indicates that "sousa" is the direct object of the action
• 担当しています (tantou shiteimasu) - You are in charge of