Translation guide
In Japanese, 'personal affairs' is expressed through several terms that emphasize privacy, individual matters, or personal circumstances. The most common and versatile word is 私事 (watakushigoto / shiji), used for private matters not related to work or public life. Other expressions like 身上 (shinjō) and 身の上 (minoue) refer to one's personal circumstances or life story, often in formal or narrative contexts. 私用 (shiyō) specifically means personal business or errands, while 人事 (jinji) is used in formal settings for personnel affairs. The choice depends on context and level of formality.
To refer to matters that are private, not related to work or public life, such as personal problems, family issues, or individual concerns.
The most common and neutral term for personal or private affairs. Can be read as わたくしごと (more formal) or しじ (slightly more literary). Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
That is a personal matter, so I cannot answer.
Refers to personal use or personal business, often implying errands or tasks done for oneself rather than for work. Common in phrases like 私用で休む (take a day off for personal reasons).
Loanword from English 'private', used to describe personal life, private time, or matters not related to work. Very common in casual and business contexts.
To talk about one's personal circumstances, background, or life story, often in a narrative or formal context.
Refers to one's personal circumstances, family background, or financial situation. Often used in formal contexts like job interviews or official documents. Can also mean 'family fortune' or 'personal history'.
Literally 'on one's body', meaning one's personal history, life story, or circumstances. Often used in phrases like 身の上話 (life story) or 身の上相談 (personal advice). Slightly more narrative than 身上.
To refer to matters related to personnel, such as hiring, firing, promotions, or staff management, in a formal or business context.
Specifically means personnel affairs or human resources matters. Used in business and organizational contexts. Not for personal private matters.
There was an announcement of personnel changes.
To indicate that one is doing something for personal reasons, such as running errands or handling private tasks.
私事 (わたくしごと/しじ) means personal private matters, while 人事 (じんじ) means personnel affairs in a company. They are written with different kanji and have completely different meanings.
This is a personal matter, but I'm getting married next month.
I'm waiting for the personnel announcement.
プライベート is a common loanword used in casual and business settings to refer to private life or personal matters. It can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
Please avoid personal questions.
I prefer not to discuss my personal affairs at work.
She is dealing with some personal affairs right now.
Distinguish between work and personal affairs.
私用で会社を休みました。
I took a day off from work for personal reasons.
Don't use the company phone for personal business.
I don't want to talk about personal things.
Weekends are my private time.
His personal circumstances are complicated.
身の上話を聞かせてください。
Please tell me your life story.
She has an unfortunate personal history.
Please contact the personnel department.
I have a personal errand, so I'm leaving early.