Translation guide
Expressing that an accident occurred, typically involving oneself or someone else. Japanese often uses specific verbs or constructions depending on the type of accident and who is affected.
To say that someone was involved in an accident, usually a traffic or workplace accident, without specifying the cause.
I had a traffic accident yesterday.
He had an accident at work.
Used when the subject caused the accident, often through negligence. It carries a sense of responsibility.
Only use when the subject is clearly at fault. For being a victim, use 事故に遭う.
He caused an accident by speeding.
A casual, slang verb meaning 'to have an accident' or 'to crash'. Common in informal speech.
I had a car accident yesterday.
To describe a small accident or mistake, like spilling something or a minor injury at home.
To refer to an accident where someone loses control of bladder or bowels, often used for children or elderly.
The English phrase 'have an accident' cannot be directly translated as 事故を持っている or similar. Use the appropriate verb like 遭う or 起こす depending on context.
事故に遭う is passive (you are involved, often as a victim), while 事故を起こす is active (you caused it). Choose based on responsibility.
コーヒーをこぼす失敗をした。
I had an accident and spilled the coffee.