Translation guide
Expressing that an accident occurred, typically involving oneself or someone else. Japanese often uses specific verbs or constructions depending on the type of accident and who is affected.
To say that someone was involved in an accident, usually a traffic or workplace accident, without specifying the cause.
The most common and natural way to say 'have an accident' in the sense of being involved in one. It implies you were a victim or participant, often in traffic or similar incidents.
昨日、交通事故に遭いました。
I had a traffic accident yesterday.
彼は仕事中に事故に遭った。
He had an accident at work.
Used when the subject caused the accident, often through negligence. It carries a sense of responsibility.
Only use when the subject is clearly at fault. For being a victim, use 事故に遭う.
彼はスピードの出しすぎで事故を起こした。
He caused an accident by speeding.
A casual, slang verb meaning 'to have an accident' or 'to crash'. Common in informal speech.
昨日、車で事故っちゃった。
I had a car accident yesterday.
To describe a small accident or mistake, like spilling something or a minor injury at home.
Literally 'a small accident'. Used for minor incidents that are not serious.
キッチンでちょっとした事故があって、指を切った。
I had a little accident in the kitchen and cut my finger.
Means 'mistake' or 'failure'. Can be used for minor accidents that are more like blunders.
コーヒーをこぼす失敗をした。
I had an accident and spilled the coffee.
To refer to an accident where someone loses control of bladder or bowels, often used for children or elderly.
Specifically means to wet or soil oneself. Common when talking about children's accidents.
子供がお漏らしをしてしまった。
The child had an accident.
Euphemistic way to say 'have an accident' regarding incontinence, especially for adults.
祖母が時々失敗することがある。
My grandmother sometimes has accidents.
The English phrase 'have an accident' cannot be directly translated as 事故を持っている or similar. Use the appropriate verb like 遭う or 起こす depending on context.
事故に遭う is passive (you are involved, often as a victim), while 事故を起こす is active (you caused it). Choose based on responsibility.