Translation guide
The English word "affairs" covers a wide range of meanings, from personal business and events to romantic relationships and professional matters. This guide breaks down the most useful meanings for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to one's own tasks, errands, or personal business.
General term for personal business or errands. Very common and natural.
ちょっと用事があるので、先に失礼します。
I have some affairs to attend to, so I'll be leaving first.
今日は用事を済ませなければならない。
I have to take care of some affairs today.
Personal or private affairs, often used in formal contexts.
私事で恐縮ですが、来月結婚します。
I apologize for bringing up personal affairs, but I'm getting married next month.
Business or personal affairs, somewhat formal. Often used when excusing oneself.
所用のため、本日は早退します。
I'm leaving early today due to personal affairs.
Referring to happenings, incidents, or state of affairs in the world or a specific domain.
State of affairs, situation, especially in politics, economics, or social contexts.
国際情勢は不安定だ。
International affairs are unstable.
経済情勢が悪化している。
Economic affairs are worsening.
Circumstances, reasons, or affairs behind a situation. Often used to explain why something happened.
Situation or state of affairs, often implying a serious or problematic development.
Event, incident, happening. More concrete than 'affairs' but can be used for notable occurrences.
Referring to a secret romantic or sexual relationship, often extramarital.
Extramarital affair, adultery. The most direct and common term.
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.
Cheating, infidelity. Can be used for affairs, but also for less serious flings. Slightly more casual than 不倫.
Referring to business, administrative, or governmental matters.
Business affairs, duties, operations. Standard term in professional contexts.
業務の効率化を図る。
We aim to streamline business affairs.
彼は業務に精通している。
He is well-versed in business affairs.
Office work, administrative affairs. Often used for clerical tasks.
事務処理に時間がかかる。
Administrative affairs take time.
Government affairs, political duties. Used in political contexts.
Referring to diplomatic or international matters.
Diplomatic affairs/issues. Common in news.
その国は外交問題を抱えている。
That country has foreign affairs issues.
Foreign affairs (as a field or ministry). Often used in official names like 外務省 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
English often uses 'affairs' in phrases like 'get your affairs in order.' In Japanese, it's more natural to specify the type of business, e.g., 身辺整理 (personal effects) or 手続き (procedures), rather than using a generic 'affairs' word.
不倫 specifically refers to an extramarital affair involving married people. 浮気 is broader and can mean cheating in any romantic relationship, including dating. 不倫 carries a stronger social stigma.
彼は秘書と不倫している。
He is having an affair with his secretary.
出発前に片付けなければならない用事がある。
I have some affairs to settle before I leave.
世界情勢が懸念される。
The state of world affairs is concerning.
I quit my job due to family affairs.
事情があって遅れました。
I was late due to some affairs (circumstances).
This is a serious affair (situation).
We discussed recent affairs (events).
I can't forgive my boyfriend's affair (cheating).
Mistress/lover relationship. More explicit about the ongoing nature.
彼は長年愛人関係を続けていた。
He had been carrying on an affair for years.
The minister is busy with government affairs.
He works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.