Translation guide
In Japanese, 'personal affairs' is expressed through several terms that emphasize privacy, individual matters, or personal circumstances. The most common and versatile word is 私事 (watakushigoto / shiji), used for private matters not related to work or public life. Other expressions like 身上 (shinjō) and 身の上 (minoue) refer to one's personal circumstances or life story, often in formal or narrative contexts. 私用 (shiyō) specifically means personal business or errands, while 人事 (jinji) is used in formal settings for personnel affairs. The choice depends on context and level of formality.
To refer to matters that are private, not related to work or public life, such as personal problems, family issues, or individual concerns.
The most common and neutral term for personal or private affairs. Can be read as わたくしごと (more formal) or しじ (slightly more literary). Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
それは私事ですので、お答えできません。
That is a personal matter, so I cannot answer.
仕事と私事を区別する。
Distinguish between work and personal affairs.
Refers to personal use or personal business, often implying errands or tasks done for oneself rather than for work. Common in phrases like 私用で休む (take a day off for personal reasons).
私用で会社を休みました。
I took a day off from work for personal reasons.
会社の電話を私用で使ってはいけない。
Don't use the company phone for personal business.
Loanword from English 'private', used to describe personal life, private time, or matters not related to work. Very common in casual and business contexts.
プライベートなことは話したくない。
I don't want to talk about personal things.
週末はプライベートの時間です。
Weekends are my private time.
To talk about one's personal circumstances, background, or life story, often in a narrative or formal context.
Refers to one's personal circumstances, family background, or financial situation. Often used in formal contexts like job interviews or official documents. Can also mean 'family fortune' or 'personal history'.
Literally 'on one's body', meaning one's personal history, life story, or circumstances. Often used in phrases like 身の上話 (life story) or 身の上相談 (personal advice). Slightly more narrative than 身上.
To refer to matters related to personnel, such as hiring, firing, promotions, or staff management, in a formal or business context.
Specifically means personnel affairs or human resources matters. Used in business and organizational contexts. Not for personal private matters.
人事異動の発表があった。
There was an announcement of personnel changes.
人事部に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the personnel department.
To indicate that one is doing something for personal reasons, such as running errands or handling private tasks.
A common phrase meaning 'for personal reasons' or 'on personal business'. Used to explain absence or use of time.
私用で外出します。
I'm going out for personal reasons.
Literally 'personal errand'. A more explicit way to say you have something personal to do.
個人的な用事があるので、早退します。
I have a personal errand, so I'm leaving early.
私事 (わたくしごと/しじ) means personal private matters, while 人事 (じんじ) means personnel affairs in a company. They are written with different kanji and have completely different meanings.
私事ですが、来月結婚します。
This is a personal matter, but I'm getting married next month.
人事の発表を待っています。
I'm waiting for the personnel announcement.
プライベート is a common loanword used in casual and business settings to refer to private life or personal matters. It can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
プライベートな質問は避けてください。
Please avoid personal questions.
仕事では私事について話したくありません。
I prefer not to discuss my personal affairs at work.
彼女は今、身上のことで忙しい。
She is dealing with some personal affairs right now.
身の上話を聞かせてください。
Please tell me your life story.
彼女は不幸な身の上だ。
She has an unfortunate personal history.