Translation guide
The English word 'accident' covers unintentional events, traffic collisions, and unexpected happenings. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the type of accident and context.
Referring to a collision involving vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.
General word for accident, most commonly used for traffic accidents.
There was a traffic accident yesterday.
事故で電車が遅れています。
The train is delayed due to an accident.
Specifically a traffic accident. More precise than 事故 alone.
交通事故に遭わないように気をつけてください。
Please be careful not to get into a traffic accident.
Collision accident, used in formal or news contexts.
高速道路で衝突事故が発生しました。
A collision accident occurred on the expressway.
An event that happens by chance, without intention, often with negative consequences.
Also used for non-traffic accidents, like industrial or home accidents.
工場で事故が起きました。
An accident occurred at the factory.
それは事故だったんです。
It was an accident. (I didn't mean to do it.)
Negligence or fault; used in legal or formal contexts to indicate an accident caused by carelessness.
A chance occurrence; emphasizes the accidental nature rather than the negative outcome.
その出会いは全くの偶然の出来事だった。
That meeting was a complete accident.
Something that happens unexpectedly, often with a positive or neutral outcome.
By chance, accidentally. Often used as an adverb.
偶然、彼に会った。
I met him by accident.
それは偶然の発見だった。
It was an accidental discovery.
Casual way to say 'by chance' or 'accidentally'.
The loanword アクシデント (akushidento) is used for minor mishaps or unexpected troubles, not for serious traffic accidents or disasters. For those, use 事故.
ちょっとしたアクシデントがあって遅れました。
I was late due to a small mishap.
事故 (jiko) is an accident (unintentional), while 事件 (jiken) is an incident or case, often implying a crime or intentional act. Be careful not to confuse them.
警察はそれを事故ではなく事件として扱っている。
The police are treating it as a criminal case, not an accident.
交通事故に遭いました。
I had a car accident.
彼は交通事故で亡くなりました。
He was killed in a traffic accident.
偶然彼女に会った。
I met her by accident.
The accident happened due to his negligence.
I was there by accident.