Translation guide
How to express 'the state of things' or 'how things are' in Japanese, from general situations to specific conditions.
What's the state of things?
The state of things is bad.
Referring to the overall state of affairs, how things are going, or the current situation.
The most common and neutral word for 'situation' or 'state of things'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Please explain the current state of things.
Focuses more on the condition or state of something, often physical or concrete. Can also be used for abstract situations.
Refers to the circumstances or reasons behind a situation, often implying background details. Common in formal contexts.
Describes the appearance or visible state of things, often based on observation. Can also mean 'sign' or 'indication'.
Talking about how things are developing, the current trend, or the way things stand.
Describing the physical or abstract condition of a particular thing or person.
Commonly used for the condition of health, machines, or how something is working. Casual and everyday.
Expressing the nature of reality, the way the world works, or an unchangeable fact.
A common phrase meaning 'That's how it is' or 'That's the way things are'. Used to express acceptance of a situation.
状況 (じょうきょう) is the most general 'situation'. 状態 (じょうたい) emphasizes the condition or state of something, often physical. 事情 (じじょう) refers to underlying circumstances or reasons. Use 状況 for most 'state of things' contexts.
Check the situation.
Given the state of things, we should postpone the event.
How are things? / What's the situation?
道路の状態が悪い。
The state of the roads is bad.
His mental state is unstable.
家庭の事情で会社を辞めました。
I quit the company due to family circumstances.
I was late due to certain circumstances.
外の様子を見てきます。
I'll go check how things are outside.
He's acting strange. / Something's off with him.
Used for larger-scale situations like political, economic, or social trends. Slightly formal.
The international situation is unstable.
The economic situation is worsening.
Refers to trends or movements, often in business, politics, or social behavior. Implies direction of change.
Keep a close watch on market trends.
Means 'current state' or 'present situation'. Often used in reports or discussions about problems.
Maintain the current state of things.
It's difficult under the current circumstances.
How are you feeling? (How's your body's condition?)
The air conditioner isn't working well.
Similar to 具合 but often implies rhythm, pace, or mood. Used for health, machines, and performance.
I'm in good shape today. / Things are going well today.
The car isn't running well.
Often used to describe a pitiful or shocking state of affairs. Carries a negative nuance.
What a mess this is. / Look at this state of things.
That's life. / That's the way things are.
Literally 'the world', but often used to mean 'the way of the world' or 'society'. Can be used in sayings.
The world isn't that easy. / Things don't work that way.
Examine the condition of the machine.
Explain the circumstances.
The English phrase 'state of things' does not have a single direct equivalent. Translating word-for-word as '物事の状態' is unnatural. Choose the appropriate word based on context.
家の様子が心配だ。
I'm worried about the state of things at home.