Translation and Meaning of: 件 - kudan

The Japanese word 件 [くだん] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. If you have come across this expression in texts or conversations, understanding its context can be essential to avoid misunderstandings.

In addition to unveiling the translation of 件, we will analyze its application in different situations, from formal documents to informal dialogues. If you are looking for reliable information about this word, you've come to the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, our dictionary offers precise explanations for Japanese learners of all levels.

Meaning and use of 件 [くだん]

The term 件 is often translated as "the subject in question" or "the mentioned case." It acts as a reference indicator, pointing to something that has already been mentioned earlier in the conversation or text. This word is especially useful in formal contexts, such as legal documents, reports, or structured discussions.

An interesting aspect of 件 is its versatility. Although it may sound bureaucratic in some situations, it also appears in everyday conversations when people need to refer to a specific topic. The pronunciation くだん (kudan) is the most common, but it is worth noting that the kanji 件 alone can have other readings depending on the context.

Origin and Evolution of the term

The etymology of 件 dates back to ancient Japanese, where it was already used to indicate specific matters or cases. The kanji itself is composed of two elements: the radical 人 (person) and 建 (establish), suggesting the idea of something established or determined by people. This composition reflects well the current meaning of the word.

Over time, 件 has maintained its original meaning but gained broader uses in the modern language. Linguistic research shows that its use in official documents became established during the Edo period, when Japanese bureaucracy began to develop more systematically. Today, although it is not one of the most frequent words, it remains relevant in various contexts.

Tips for using 件 correctly

To memorize 件 [くだん], an effective strategy is to associate it with situations where we need to refer to something that has already been mentioned. Think of phrases like "about the topic we discussed" - that is essentially the function of 件. Creating flashcards with real examples can help solidify its meaning and usage.

It is important to note that 件 should not be confused with similar words such as 問題 (problem) or 話題 (topic of conversation). While these refer to broader concepts, 件 specifically points to something previously established. Observing this difference is crucial for using the term accurately in conversations or written texts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 件 (Ken) - Item, question
• つかさ (Tsukasa) - Director, chief, officer
• つかさどう (Tsukasadou) - Director's Office, governance
• つかさねる (Tsukasaneru) - To sum up, to accumulate (in a context of responsibility or authority)
• つかさびらき (Tsukasabiraki) - Office inauguration
• つかさまわり (Tsukasamawari) - Area around the office, director's territory
• つかさどり (Tsukasadori) - Office management, activity supervision
• つかさがえ (Tsukasagae) - Substitution of an official, change of position
• つかさづかい (Tsukasazukai) - Use of power or authority
• つかさづかわり (Tsukasazukawari) - Substitution of power usage
• つかさづかおく (Tsukasazukaoku) - Maintaining authority or position consistently

件

Romaji: kudan
Kana: くだん
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: example; precedent; the usual; The saying; the above; (man) in question

Meaning in English: example;precedent;the usual;the said;the above-mentioned;(man) in question

Definition: A subject or issue related to a specific object.

Example Sentences - (件) kudan

See below some example sentences:

有利な条件で取引を行う。

Yuuri na jouken de torihiki wo okonau

Do business in favorable conditions.

Transactions in advantageous conditions.

• 有利な - advantageous, beneficial
• 条件 - condition
• で - in, with
• 取引 - negotiation, transaction
• を - direct object particle
• 行う - perform, execute

過半数の票を獲得することが勝利の条件です。

Kahansū no hyō o kakutoku suru koto ga shōri no jōken desu

Gaining the most votes is a victory condition.

• 過半数 - means "majority" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words.
• 票 - means "votes" in Japanese.
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 獲得する - verb meaning "to obtain" or "to conquer" in Japanese.
• ことが - particle indicating that the previous verb is the subject of the sentence.
• 勝利 - means "victory" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words.
• 条件 - means "condition" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative.

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"

この用件は重要ですか？

Kono youken wa juuyou desu ka?

Is this question important?

Is this deal important?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 用件 - noun meaning "matter" or "business"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 重要 - adjective that means "important" or "crucial"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle indicating a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

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