Dictionary
English - Japanese

Circumstance

Extremely common
900 - 1000
900 - 1000
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

状況 (じょうきょう), 事情 (じじょう), 環境 (かんきょう), 条件 (じょうけん)

Circumstance meanings in Japanese

状況 (じょうきょう)

Example:
The circumstances surrounding her departure were unclear.
彼女の出発に関する状況は不明でした。
Under the current circumstances, we cannot proceed with the project.
現在の状況では、プロジェクトを進めることはできません。
Usage: FormalContext: Used in discussions or reports regarding specific situations or conditions.
Note: This meaning emphasizes the state or condition of affairs.

事情 (じじょう)

Example:
I understand your circumstances, but I cannot help you.
あなたの事情は理解していますが、助けることはできません。
He explained the circumstances that led to his decision.
彼は自分の決定に至った事情を説明しました。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when explaining personal situations.
Note: This term is often used to refer to personal or specific situations.

環境 (かんきょう)

Example:
The circumstances of the environment can greatly affect our health.
環境の事情は私たちの健康に大きな影響を与えることがあります。
You must adapt to the circumstances of your environment.
あなたは自分の環境の事情に適応しなければなりません。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used in discussions about external factors or conditions, particularly in scientific or environmental contexts.
Note: This meaning focuses on external conditions rather than personal situations.

条件 (じょうけん)

Example:
The circumstances of the agreement must be met.
契約の条件は満たされなければなりません。
He couldn't meet the circumstances required for the job.
彼はその仕事に必要な条件を満たすことができませんでした。
Usage: FormalContext: Used in legal or contractual discussions where specific conditions must be fulfilled.
Note: This meaning relates to specific requirements or stipulations.

Circumstance's synonyms

situation

A set of circumstances or conditions in which someone finds themselves; the way in which things are at a particular time.
Example: Given the current situation, we need to come up with a solution.
Note: Similar to circumstance, but 'situation' often refers to the overall state of affairs or context.

scenario

A postulated sequence or development of events; a setting, especially for a work of art or literature.
Example: Let's consider a different scenario and see how it plays out.
Note: Refers to a specific imagined or possible situation, often used in planning or storytelling contexts.

condition

The state of something with regard to its appearance, quality, or working order.
Example: The condition of the roads was poor due to the heavy rain.
Note: Focuses more on the state or quality of something rather than the broader context of circumstances.

context

The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood.
Example: To fully understand the meaning, you need to consider the context in which it was said.
Note: Refers to the setting or background that helps to understand the significance of something, rather than the specific details of a situation.

Circumstance expressions, common phrases

Under no circumstances

This phrase is used to emphasize that something is absolutely not allowed or acceptable.
Example: Under no circumstances should you give out your personal information to strangers.
Note: The phrase 'under no circumstances' emphasizes the extreme prohibition or impossibility of a situation.

In certain circumstances

This phrase indicates that something is applicable or true only in specific situations.
Example: In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to work overtime to meet deadlines.
Note: The phrase 'in certain circumstances' suggests that the situation is limited to specific conditions rather than being universally true.

Change of circumstances

This phrase refers to a significant alteration in a situation or environment.
Example: The sudden change of circumstances forced us to reconsider our plans.
Note: The phrase 'change of circumstances' highlights a shift or transformation in the existing state of affairs.

In the circumstances

This phrase is used to indicate that considering the situation or conditions at hand, a particular action or decision was appropriate.
Example: In the circumstances, I believe we made the best decision possible.
Note: The phrase 'in the circumstances' suggests that the context or situation influenced the outcome or decision.

Due to circumstances beyond our control

This phrase is used to explain that something happened because of factors outside of one's influence or authority.
Example: The event was canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, such as severe weather.
Note: The phrase 'due to circumstances beyond our control' emphasizes the external and uncontrollable nature of the causes.

Circumstances dictate

This phrase means that the situation or conditions require a particular course of action.
Example: Circumstances dictate that we must adapt to the changing market conditions.
Note: The phrase 'circumstances dictate' implies that the external factors or conditions are guiding the decision or behavior.

In mitigating circumstances

This phrase refers to factors that can lessen the severity or culpability of a situation or action.
Example: The judge considered the defendant's difficult upbringing as a factor in the mitigating circumstances of the case.
Note: The phrase 'in mitigating circumstances' suggests that there are factors that reduce the negative impact or consequences of a situation.

Circumstance everyday (slang) expressions

Spot

Spot is used informally to refer to a particular situation or predicament.
Example: I can't make it to the meeting on time, I'm in a tight spot right now.
Note: Spot is more colloquial and casual compared to circumstance.

Jam

Jam is slang for a difficult or problematic situation.
Example: I got stuck in a traffic jam, so I'll be late for the appointment.
Note: Jam has a more intense connotation compared to circumstance.

Fix

Fix refers to a difficult or challenging situation that needs to be resolved.
Example: I need to figure out how to get out of this fix I'm in.
Note: Fix implies a sense of urgency or need for a solution.

Bind

Bind is used to describe a situation of being trapped or in a difficult position.
Example: I'm in a real bind right now, and I don't know what to do.
Note: Bind conveys a stronger sense of being entangled or restricted compared to circumstance.

Pickle

Pickle refers to a difficult or awkward situation, typically one that is hard to resolve.
Example: I accidentally deleted the important file, now I'm in a real pickle.
Note: Pickle is more light-hearted and humorous compared to circumstance.

Dilemma

Dilemma describes a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two alternatives.
Example: I'm facing a real dilemma about which job offer to accept.
Note: Dilemma focuses more on the decision-making aspect of the situation compared to circumstance.

Mess

Mess describes a situation that is chaotic, disorderly, or problematic.
Example: I got myself into a mess by forgetting about the deadline for the project.
Note: Mess implies a situation that is more disorganized or chaotic than a usual circumstance.

Circumstance - Examples

Circumstances forced her to resign.
I can't control the circumstances.
The circumstances of the accident are still unclear.

Circumstance grammar

Circumstance - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: circumstance
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): circumstances, circumstance
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): circumstance
Syllables, Separation and Stress
circumstance Contains 3 syllables: cir • cum • stance
Phonetic transcription: ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s
cir cum stance , ˈsər kəm ˌstan(t)s (The red syllable is stressed)

Circumstance - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
circumstance: 900 - 1000 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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