Meaning
The kanji 事 (こと, ジ) is a foundational character in Japanese, typically conveying meanings such as 'matter,' 'thing,' 'affair,' 'business,' 'incident,' or 'circumstance.' Unlike 物 (もの), which refers to tangible objects, 事 almost exclusively denotes abstract concepts, events, or situations. It captures the essence of an 'occurrence' or 'a state of affairs.' This makes it crucial for expressing a wide range of ideas, from daily tasks to significant historical events.
Its origin is somewhat debated. However, ancient forms of 事 depict a hand (often represented by 又 or 爪) holding an implement, possibly a brush or stylus (聿). This imagery suggests the act of managing, recording, or engaging in an activity, and this visual connection to 'doing' or 'attending to' matters remains central to its meaning.
Over time, the character simplified and became more abstract. It shed its direct pictographic qualities to represent the abstract notion of 'an affair' or 'a matter.' Some interpretations suggest the top part is a simplified form of 吏 (official) or 史 (history). Both relate to handling important tasks or records, thus reinforcing the concept of 'business' or 'affairs.'
The current eight-stroke form conveys a sense of structure and completion, reflecting that matters or events have a distinct beginning and end. Children learn 事 in Grade 3 of Japanese elementary school, and it is an essential kanji for anyone preparing for the N4 JLPT level.
事 has 8 strokes. Its radical is 亅 (はねぼう), which is the final vertical stroke with a hook.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi readings for 事 are derived from Chinese pronunciation and are primarily used when the kanji is part of a compound word.
ジ (ji): ジ is the most common on'yomi for 事, appearing in a vast majority of compound words. It typically refers to general 'matters,' 'affairs,' 'incidents,' 'business,' or 'circumstances.' Mastering words with this reading is essential for N4 learners and beyond.
- 事実 (jijitsu) — fact, truth
この事実をみんなに伝えましょう。
- 事故 (jiko) — accident
昨日、駅前で事故がありました。
- 事務 (jimu) — office work, business
彼女は事務の仕事をしています。
- 事件 (jiken) — incident, case (e.g., crime)
その事件はまだ解決していません。
ズ (zu): Although listed as an on'yomi, the ズ reading is exceedingly rare in common modern Japanese vocabulary and seldom encountered. You will likely not need to actively remember this reading for practical communication at the N4 level, or even much higher.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations associated with the kanji's meaning, typically used when the kanji stands alone or is followed by okurigana (送り仮名).
こと (koto): こと is the primary and most common kun'yomi for 事. When used alone as 事, it directly translates to 'thing,' 'matter,' 'fact,' 'circumstance,' or 'event.' It also functions as a nominalizer, transforming verbs or adjectives into abstract nouns. This usage refers to the act of doing something or the general state of affairs.
- 事 (koto) — thing, matter, fact
大事な事を忘れていました。
- 物事 (monogoto) — things, matters, everything
物事には両面があります。
- 事柄 (kotogara) — matter, item, subject
これは重要な事柄です。
- 出来事 (dekigoto) — incident, event
面白い出来事がありました。
Another common usage of 事 is in the word 仕事 (shigoto), meaning 'job' or 'work.' While 事 takes an irregular reading here, 仕事 is one of the most frequently used words in Japanese and indispensable for N4 learners.
Common Words & Compounds
Understanding how 事 combines with other kanji is crucial for mastering its usage. Here are some essential words and compounds, categorized by their common themes:
General Matters and Concepts
- 事実 (jijitsu) — fact, truth
This compound highlights the 'real' or 'truthful' aspect of a 'matter.'
- 物事 (monogoto) — things, matters, everything
A comprehensive term that encompasses both abstract and concrete matters.
- 事柄 (kotogara) — matter, item, subject
Often used to refer to specific issues, subjects, or items of discussion.
- 事態 (jitai) — situation, state of affairs
Describes the current condition or unfolding of events, often implying a particular situation's gravity.
- 出来事 (dekigoto) — incident, event
Refers to something that has 'come into being' or 'happened,' often denoting a significant event or happening.
Work and Business
- 仕事 (shigoto) — job, work
One of the most common words in Japanese, referring to one's occupation, employment, or tasks.
- 事務 (jimu) — office work, business
Specifically related to administrative duties or clerical tasks.
- 事業 (jigyou) — enterprise, undertaking, business
Refers to larger-scale projects, enterprises, or commercial ventures.
Events and Incidents
- 事故 (jiko) — accident
A sudden, unplanned, and often unfortunate event, such as a traffic accident or workplace mishap.
- 事件 (jiken) — incident, case (e.g., crime)
A more formal term for a notable happening, often implying legal, criminal, or societal significance.
- 行事 (gyouji) — event, function, ceremony
Planned events or traditional functions, such as school festivals, cultural ceremonies, or seasonal celebrations.
Abstract and Practical Usage
- 大事 (daiji) — important (thing), precious
Refers to something of great importance, value, or care.
用事 (youji) — errand, business to attend to Tasks or matters one needs to attend to or take care of, like running errands.
無事 (buji) — safely, without incident, peace
Indicates a state of being safe, sound, or having encountered no problems or incidents.
Example Sentences
これは私にとってとても大事な事です。
Kore wa watashi ni totte totemo daiji na koto desu.
This is a very important matter to me.
毎日、仕事でとても忙しいです。
Mainichi, shigoto de totemo isogashii desu.
I am very busy with work every day.
昨日、駅の近くで小さな事故がありました。
Kinō, eki no chikaku de chiisana jiko ga arimashita.
Yesterday, there was a small accident near the station.
その出来事は私の記憶に深く残っています。
Sono dekigoto wa watashi no kioku ni fukaku nokotte imasu.
That incident remains deeply in my memory.
彼は本当の事実を知りたがっています。
Kare wa hontō no jijitsu o shiritagatte imasu.
He wants to know the true facts.
今日は何か用事がありますか。
Kyō wa nanika yōji ga arimasu ka?
Do you have any errands or business today?
この会社は新しい事業を始めました。
Kono kaisha wa atarashii jigyō o hajimemashita.
This company started a new enterprise.
何かあれば、すぐ私に連絡する事。
Nanika areba, sugu watashi ni renraku suru koto.
If anything happens, please contact me immediately.
物事をポジティブに考えるのは大切な事です。
Monogoto o pozitive ni kangaeru no wa taisetsu na koto desu.
It's important to think positively about things.
Related Kanji
- 弟 — Younger Brother, Junior (Kanji N4)
- 以 — By Means Of, With, From (Kanji N4)
- 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
- 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
- 短 — Short, brief, defect (Kanji N4)
- 田 — Rice Field (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
To remember 事, visualize it as representing a 'matter' or 'affair' that requires handling. Imagine an ancient official (whose character 吏 shares a similar top structure with 事) at their desk, diligently dealing with important documents or tasks. The top part resembles a stylized roof or a cap, signifying the 'office' or 'place where matters are handled.' The bottom part, with its hook (亅), can be seen as the 'action' or 'completion' of handling the affair.
Thus, an 'official' (top part) is 'doing' (bottom part) a 'matter' or 'business.' Alternatively, envision the top as a 'cap' on a 'person' who is 'doing' something with an 'implement' (represented by the vertical stroke and hook). Ultimately, the kanji always revolves around action or an abstract 'thing' to be accomplished.