Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the idea of hidden circumstances, background factors, or unseen details in Japanese. It includes words for internal affairs, secrets, and the 'behind-the-scenes' aspects of situations.
Referring to the hidden background, internal workings, or unpublicized details of a situation, organization, or event.
Refers to the internal state or circumstances of an organization, group, or situation, often not publicly known. Commonly used in news or analysis.
会社の内情に詳しい。
I'm familiar with the company's internal circumstances.
内情を探る。
To investigate the hidden circumstances.
Literally 'back circumstances', used for the hidden side of a story, often implying something not officially disclosed or behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
政治の裏事情に詳しいジャーナリスト。
A journalist well-versed in the hidden circumstances of politics.
その決定には複雑な裏事情がある。
There are complex hidden circumstances behind that decision.
Refers to the inside story or hidden facts, often used for scandals or confidential information. Slightly more dramatic than 内情.
事件の内幕が明らかになった。
The hidden circumstances of the incident came to light.
Means the details or course of events leading up to a situation. Often used when explaining the background or hidden circumstances of how something came to be.
これまでの経緯を説明してください。
Please explain the circumstances leading up to this.
Referring to information that is deliberately kept hidden or secret.
The most general word for 'secret'. Can refer to hidden circumstances when used in context.
彼には何か秘密がある。
He has some hidden circumstances.
Literally 'hidden circumstances', a direct and clear phrase for situations where facts are being concealed.
隠された事情がまだあるはずだ。
There must be more hidden circumstances.
Primarily a literary term for 'foreshadowing', but can metaphorically refer to hidden circumstances that hint at future developments.
Referring to someone's personal hidden circumstances, such as family situation, financial status, or past experiences.
A common phrase for 'family circumstances', often used as a polite way to refer to private or hidden personal reasons.
家庭の事情で退職しました。
I resigned due to family circumstances.
Means 'personal circumstances', used when the hidden reasons are private and not to be disclosed.
個人的な事情でお休みします。
I'll take a day off due to personal circumstances.
内情 is a neutral term for internal circumstances, often used in business or organizational contexts. 裏事情 implies a hidden, sometimes shady, backstory. 内幕 is similar to 裏事情 but often used for scandals or exposés.
会社の内情は安定している。
The company's internal circumstances are stable.
芸能界の裏事情を暴露する。
To expose the hidden circumstances of the entertainment world.
事件の内幕をスクープした。
We got a scoop on the inside story of the incident.
The phrase 'hidden circumstances' is not commonly translated word-for-word. Instead, choose a term based on the context: internal affairs (内情), backstory (裏事情), secrets (秘密), or personal reasons (事情). Using 隠された状況 is possible but sounds unnatural and overly literal.
We got a scoop on the inside story of the incident.
The phrase 'hidden circumstances' is not commonly translated word-for-word. Instead, choose a term based on the context: internal affairs (内情), backstory (裏事情), secrets (秘密), or personal reasons (事情). Using 隠された状況 is possible but sounds unnatural and overly literal.
彼の行動には伏線があった。
There were hidden circumstances behind his actions.