Translation guide
The English word "affair" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: a romantic/sexual relationship (often secret), an event or matter, and a social gathering. It also touches on less common meanings like personal business and a scandal.
To refer to a romantic or sexual relationship outside of marriage or a committed partnership, often kept secret.
The most common and direct term for an extramarital affair. It implies a breach of trust and is widely understood.
彼は不倫関係にあった。
He was having an affair.
不倫が原因で離婚した。
They divorced because of an affair.
Refers to cheating or infidelity, often in a dating or marriage context. It can be less formal than 不倫 and sometimes implies a more casual fling.
彼氏の浮気が発覚した。
I found out about my boyfriend's affair.
A literary or formal term for a love affair or sexual relationship, often used in novels or news reports. It emphasizes the emotional or physical aspect.
二人の情事は秘密だった。
Their affair was a secret.
To refer to an event, matter, or situation, often of some importance or concern.
Used for incidents, cases, or scandals. It often implies something noteworthy or problematic.
それは警察が扱う事件だ。
That's an affair for the police.
ウォーターゲート事件
the Watergate affair
A general term for matters, affairs, or things. It is neutral and can be used in formal contexts.
Means problem or issue. When used for 'affair', it often implies a troublesome matter.
A concise term for matter, case, or affair, often used in business or formal writing.
その件については後で話しましょう。
Let's discuss that affair later.
To refer to a formal or semi-formal social event or party.
The most common loanword for a party or social gathering. It covers a wide range of events.
今夜は会社のパーティーがあります。
There's a company affair tonight.
A general term for a gathering or get-together. It can be casual or formal depending on context.
Refers to an event or function, often organized by a group or institution. It implies a scheduled activity.
To refer to matters of personal interest or responsibility.
Means personal affairs or private matters. Often used in the phrase 私事ですが (It's a personal matter, but...).
私事ですが、来月結婚します。
It's a personal affair, but I'm getting married next month.
A more colloquial way to say personal matters or private affairs.
それは個人的なことだから、話したくない。
That's a personal affair, so I don't want to talk about it.
To refer to a public scandal or controversial event.
The direct loanword for scandal. It is commonly used in media and conversation.
その政治家のスキャンダルは大きな事件になった。
The politician's affair became a major scandal.
A formal term for a scandal or misconduct, often used in corporate or political contexts.
不倫 specifically means an extramarital affair. Using it for a business matter or event would be incorrect. Use 事件 or 問題 instead.
それは会社の不倫です。
That's a company affair. (incorrect)
浮気 (uwaki) is a broader term for cheating or infidelity, which can include casual dating relationships. 不倫 (furin) specifically refers to an extramarital affair and carries a stronger sense of social taboo. In legal or formal contexts, 不倫 is preferred.
彼は浮気性だ。
He is a cheater (prone to affairs).
不倫は離婚の原因になる。
An affair can cause divorce.
個人的な事柄です。
It's a personal affair.
それは国家の問題だ。
That's a state affair.
家族の集まり
a family affair
a school affair
The company's affair was in the newspaper.