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.
I'm familiar with the company's internal circumstances.
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.
A journalist well-versed in the hidden circumstances of politics.
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.
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.
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.
He has some hidden circumstances.
Literally 'hidden circumstances', a direct and clear phrase for situations where facts are being concealed.
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.
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.
The company's internal circumstances are stable.
To expose the hidden circumstances of the entertainment world.
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.
I'll take a day off due to personal circumstances.