Translation guide
The English word 'contingency' refers to a future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty, or a provision for such an event. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, different words and phrases are used depending on whether you are talking about a possible event, a plan made in case something happens, or a conditional relationship.
You should get insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Literally 'one in ten thousand thing', meaning a very unlikely but possible event. Often used in the context of preparing for the worst.
If something should happen (unlikely event), please use these documents.
A formal, somewhat technical term for a contingent or accidental event. Used in legal or business documents.
The contract includes a clause regarding contingent events.
Describing preparations, plans, or resources set aside in case something happens.
Means 'emergency response' or 'contingency plan'. Commonly used in business continuity and disaster preparedness.
The company compiled emergency response procedures into a manual.
Literally 'reserve plan', meaning a backup or contingency plan. Used in project management and everyday planning.
Loanword from English 'contingency plan'. Used in business and IT contexts, but less common than native Japanese alternatives.
Expressing that something is conditional or dependent on other factors, often in philosophical or formal contexts.
Means 'contingency' in the philosophical sense of being accidental or not necessary. Used in academic or intellectual discussions.
We discuss the contingency of history.
A grammar pattern meaning 'depends on ~'. Used to express that an outcome is contingent on something.
Means 'depends on' or 'is contingent on'. A very common and versatile pattern.
The outcome depends on the situation.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'contingency'. Using a dictionary lookup like 偶然性 (philosophical contingency) for a business contingency plan would sound unnatural. Choose the expression based on the specific meaning you intend.
Let's make a backup plan in case it rains.
The IT department formulated a contingency plan.
Whether we succeed depends on our efforts.