also: せこ
worldly affairs; the ways of the world
Refers to practical knowledge of society, its customs, and the complexities of human relationships. Often used in contexts discussing experience or sophistication in dealing with people.
彼は世故に長けている。
He is well-versed in the ways of the world.
A young person who is naive about worldly affairs.
Standard kanji form; the reading せこ is more common than せいこ.
Alternate reading; less common than せこ.
Composed of 世 (world, society) and 故 (reason, circumstances). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conveys the idea of the circumstances and affairs of the world.