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.
He was having an affair.
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.
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.
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.
That's an affair for the police.
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.
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.
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.
To refer to a public scandal or controversial event.
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.
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.
He is a cheater (prone to affairs).
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.
Let's discuss that affair later.
家族の集まり
a family affair
a school affair
That's a personal affair, so I don't want to talk about it.
会社の不祥事が新聞に載った。
The company's affair was in the newspaper.