Translation guide
The English word 'incident' covers a range of events, from everyday happenings to serious accidents. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the nature and severity of the event.
Referring to something that happened, without implying severity.
An unexpected event causing damage, injury, or disruption.
Specifically an accident, often involving vehicles, injuries, or unintended harm.
An incident involving illegal or unethical behavior.
The standard term for a criminal case or scandalous incident.
A politically sensitive event between countries.
Used for international incidents, often with a modifier.
A small, often insignificant event.
A phrase meaning 'a little incident' or 'a minor happening'.
事件 (jiken) is for notable or criminal incidents. 事故 (jiko) is for accidents. 出来事 (dekigoto) is a neutral 'event' or 'happening'. Choose based on the nature of the incident.
Incident: The police are investigating the incident.
The incident was reported in the newspaper.
交通事故が発生しました。
A traffic incident occurred.
It was a minor incident, so no one was injured.
A loanword meaning trouble or a problematic incident, often used in everyday contexts.
An incident occurred with the machine.
The suspect in the murder incident was arrested.
A scandal or misconduct incident, often used in corporate or political contexts.
The company's scandalous incident came to light.
The remark escalated into a diplomatic incident.
Refers to a dispute or conflict, often armed or serious.
A border incident occurred.
It was just a minor incident.
A loanword for an unexpected, often amusing incident.
There was a small incident at the party.
Accident: The train was delayed due to an incident.
Event: I wrote about today's incident in my diary.
The loanword インシデント (inshidento) exists but is mainly used in IT/security contexts (e.g., セキュリティインシデント). For general incidents, use native Japanese words.