How to say 'Thing' or 'Matter' in Japanese | 事

Wondering how to say 'Thing' or 'Matter' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Thing or Matter is 'Koto', written as 事 in Japanese.'Thing' or 'Matter' in hiragana is こと.

word

事

Meaning

Thing, Matter

Reading

こと

koto

Kanji

事Thing

Explanation

The Japanese noun '事 (こと)' is a versatile word that can mean 'thing' or 'matter'. It is often used to refer to abstract concepts, events, or situations rather than physical objects. For example: That is an important matter「それは大事な事です」(それはだいじなことです). I have something to tell you「あなたに言いたい事があります」(あなたにいいたいことがあります). The word '事' is commonly used in various expressions and idioms, such as '事にする (ことにする)' meaning 'to decide to do something' or '事になる (ことになる)' meaning 'it has been decided that'. It is important to note that '事' is often used in formal or written contexts, while '物 (もの)' is more commonly used for physical objects in everyday speech.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 事

This word contains 1 kanji character:

kanji

事

Meaning

Thing

Words Related to 事 Through the Kanji 事

These 39 Words contain the Kanji 事 as well.

word

仕事

Meaning

Work

word

事件

Meaning

Incident

word

事業

Meaning

Business

word

事実

Meaning

Fact

word

食事

Meaning

Meal

word

工事

Meaning

Construction

word

交通事故

Meaning

Accident

word

事務

Meaning

Office work

word

返事

Meaning

word

大事

Meaning

Important, Precious

word

事情

Meaning

Circumstances

word

事故

Meaning

Accident

word

事務所

Meaning

Office

word

事務室

Meaning

Office

word

記事

Meaning

Article

word

刑事

Meaning

Detective, Criminal case

word

事態

Meaning

Situation

word

軍事

Meaning

Military

word

見事

Meaning

Complete, Splendid

word

事項

Meaning

Item, Matter

word

出来事

Meaning

Event

word

人事

Meaning

Personnel, Human affairs

word

事例

Meaning

Example

word

知事

Meaning

Governor

word

当事

Meaning

Parties

word

理事

Meaning

Director

word

事前

Meaning

Advance, Prior

word

事務員

Meaning

Clerk

word

何事

Meaning

Matter, Incident

word

行事

Meaning

Event

word

家事

Meaning

Housework

word

物事

Meaning

Things

word

炊事

Meaning

Cooking

word

事柄

Meaning

Matter, Affair

word

無事

Meaning

Safely

word

従事

Meaning

Engagement

word

検事

Meaning

Prosecutor

word

領事館

Meaning

Consulate

word

百科事典

Meaning

Encyclopedia

Learn the Word 事

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What does 'Koto' (事) mean?

'Koto' means 'Thing' or 'Matter' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.