Translation guide
The English word 'event' covers a wide range of happenings. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the type of event: a planned social gathering, a formal occasion, a sports match, a historical incident, or a program schedule item.
A scheduled get-together, party, concert, festival, or organized activity for enjoyment or a specific purpose.
The most common and versatile loanword for a planned event, especially for entertainment, promotional, or social gatherings. Widely used in casual and semi-formal contexts.
週末に友達とイベントに行く。
I'm going to an event with friends this weekend.
会社のイベントでゲームをした。
We played games at the company event.
Refers to a traditional, annual, or institutional event, such as school events, festivals, or ceremonies. More formal than イベント.
学校の行事で遠足に行った。
We went on a field trip for a school event.
お正月は日本の大切な行事です。
New Year's is an important event in Japan.
A somewhat formal or literary term for a planned event, exhibition, or gathering. Often used in written announcements.
美術館で特別な催しがあります。
There is a special event at the art museum.
A significant, often formal, social occasion such as a wedding, funeral, or awards ceremony.
Used for ceremonies and formal proceedings. Often combined with other words, e.g., 結婚式 (wedding), 葬式 (funeral).
結婚式に招待された。
I was invited to a wedding ceremony.
卒業式は来月です。
The graduation ceremony is next month.
A ritual or formal ceremony, often with traditional or religious significance.
A specific contest or game within a sports tournament.
The standard word for a sports match, game, or bout.
次の試合は日曜日です。
The next match is on Sunday.
テニスの試合を見に行った。
I went to watch a tennis match.
Refers to a sporting event or athletic competition, often used in the context of the Olympics or track and field.
An occurrence, especially one that is noteworthy, unusual, or historical.
A general term for an incident, happening, or affair. Can be used for both everyday occurrences and historical events.
それは忘れられない出来事だった。
That was an unforgettable event.
歴史的な出来事について学ぶ。
I learn about historical events.
Often implies a serious, criminal, or scandalous incident. Use with caution for neutral 'events'.
Avoid using 事件 for positive or neutral planned events; it carries a negative or serious connotation.
A single item on a program, such as a conference session, festival performance, or TV show.
Loanword used for a program of events, or an item within a schedule. Common for conferences and festivals.
次のプログラムは講演です。
The next event on the program is a lecture.
Specifically an event in a sports meet or competition, like a track-and-field event.
イベント is for modern, often commercial or social planned gatherings. 行事 is for traditional, institutional, or annual events. 出来事 is for any occurrence or incident, not necessarily planned.
夏祭りは地域の行事です。
The summer festival is a local event.
昨日、変な出来事があった。
A strange event happened yesterday.
イベント implies a planned, usually positive gathering. For accidents, disasters, or crimes, use 出来事 or 事件 instead.
I observed a tea ceremony ritual.
I like watching Olympic events.
警察が事件を調査している。
The police are investigating the incident.
He will compete in three events.