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.
I'm going to an event with friends this weekend.
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.
We went on a field trip for a school event.
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.
There is a special event at the art museum.
A significant, often formal, social occasion such as a wedding, funeral, or awards ceremony.
A specific contest or game within a sports tournament.
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.
That was an unforgettable event.
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.
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.
The summer festival is a local event.
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.
The graduation ceremony is next month.
茶道の儀式を見学した。
I observed a tea ceremony ritual.
オリンピックの競技を見るのが好きです。
I like watching Olympic events.
I learn about historical events.
警察が事件を調査している。
The police are investigating the incident.
彼は三つの種目に出場する。
He will compete in three events.