Translation guide
The English word "scenario" can refer to a possible sequence of events, a written outline for a film or play, or a hypothetical situation. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression for each meaning.
worst-case scenario
scenario planning
To talk about a possible way that events could unfold, often in planning, risk assessment, or hypothetical discussions.
The most direct and common translation. Used widely in business, news, and everyday conversation for hypothetical or planned sequences of events.
We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
We considered several scenarios.
Often used interchangeably with シナリオ in business contexts, especially when referring to specific cases or instances.
Means "situation" or "circumstances." Can be used when "scenario" refers to a general state of affairs rather than a specific sequence.
Means "assumption" or "hypothesis." Used in technical or planning contexts to describe a scenario as a set of assumptions.
To refer to the script or screenplay of a dramatic work.
The standard term for a screenplay or script for a film, play, or TV drama.
He wrote the scenario for that movie.
Also used for a film or drama script, though 脚本 is more common in professional contexts. シナリオ can sound slightly more casual or general.
Refers specifically to a script used by actors, containing dialogue and stage directions. Often used for theater or TV shows.
To present a made-up situation for analysis, role-play, or educational purposes.
Again the most versatile term. Used in training, simulations, and thought experiments.
In the training, we practice using real-life scenarios.
Literally "a hypothetical story." Used in casual conversation to introduce a what-if scenario.
Borrowed from English "case study." Used in academic or business training to analyze a specific scenario.
While シナリオ is widely understood, using it for trivial daily situations can sound overly dramatic or businesslike. For simple situations, 場合 (ばあい, "case") or 状況 (じょうきょう, "situation") may be more natural.
In the scenario that it rains, the picnic will be canceled. (More natural than シナリオ here)
脚本 (きゃくほん) is the standard term in the film and TV industry. シナリオ is also used but can imply a more detailed, literary script, sometimes including camera directions. In casual conversation, they are often interchangeable.
Let's imagine a scenario where the project fails.
The movie's scenario was written by a famous author.
In the worst-case scenario, the project will be canceled.
この状況では、別の対応が必要だ。
In this scenario, a different response is needed.
この想定に基づいて計画を立てよう。
Let's make a plan based on this scenario.
このシナリオはよく書けている。
This scenario is well-written.
俳優たちは台本を読み合わせた。
The actors read through the scenario together.
Just a hypothetical scenario, but what would you do if you won the lottery?
Please analyze this scenario.