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B2 noun #3,000 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

事柄

kotogara
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 事柄 en 30 secondes
Explication 事柄 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't really need to use '事柄' (kotogara). It is a very formal word. Instead, you should focus on the word 'こと' (koto). 'Koto' means 'thing' or 'matter' and is used in almost every sentence. For example, 'Suki na koto' (things I like). 'Kotogara' is like a much more 'grown-up' and 'serious' version of 'koto.' If you see it in a book, just remember it means 'a thing' or 'a matter' that someone is talking about seriously. You won't hear people say this at a party or at the supermarket. It's a word for school or news. For now, just recognize that 'koto' is the base, and 'gara' adds a meaning of 'type' or 'kind.' So 'kotogara' is 'the kind of matter.' But stick to 'koto' for your own speaking!
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At the A2 level, you might start seeing '事柄' (kotogara) in reading passages, especially those about history or social studies. It's important to distinguish it from 'mono' (physical things). While 'mono' is a book or a pen, 'kotogara' is an idea, a fact, or an event. Think of it as 'abstract things.' If you are writing a formal essay for a class, using 'kotogara' instead of 'koto' can make your Japanese sound more professional. For example, instead of saying 'important things' (daiji na koto), you could say 'important matters' (juuyou na kotogara). This shows you are moving beyond basic Japanese. However, be careful not to use it when talking to friends, as it will sound like you are reading from a textbook.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to recognize '事柄' (kotogara) in news reports and formal documents. You should understand that it refers to the 'content' or 'details' of a situation. For instance, in a story about a crime, the 'dekigoto' is the crime itself, but the 'kotogara' are the specific facts like the time, the place, and the motive. You can start using this word in your writing when you want to categorize information. Phrases like 'various matters' (samazama na kotogara) or 'specific matters' (gutai-teki na kotogara) are very useful for structuring paragraphs. It helps you move away from repetitive use of 'koto' and gives your Japanese a more analytical tone.
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At the B2 level, '事柄' (kotogara) is a key vocabulary item. You are expected to use it correctly in formal speeches, business reports, and academic essays. You should understand the nuance of the kanji '柄' (gara), which implies the 'nature' or 'character' of the matter. This word is often used when you are analyzing something objectively. For example, 'to distinguish between facts and opinions' might involve 'matters of fact' (jijitsu no kotogara). You should also be comfortable with common collocations like 'matters concerning privacy' (puraibashii ni kansuru kotogara). At this level, you should also be able to distinguish 'kotogara' from similar words like 'jikou' (items) and 'anken' (cases/projects) based on the context.
At the C1 level, your use of '事柄' (kotogara) should be precise and nuanced. You should understand its role in high-level discourse, such as legal arguments or philosophical discussions. It is used to encapsulate complex sets of facts into a single conceptual unit. For instance, in a legal context, 'kotogara' might refer to the 'substantive matters' of a case. You should also be aware of how it functions in classical or literary Japanese, where it might carry a slightly different weight. Your ability to use 'kotogara' to create a formal, objective distance between the speaker and the subject matter is a hallmark of advanced proficiency. You should also be able to explain the subtle differences between 'kotogara' and 'jishou' (phenomena) in a scientific or sociological context.
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At the C2 level, '事柄' (kotogara) is a tool for precision in highly specialized fields. You use it to navigate the fine line between abstract concepts and concrete facts. In academic writing, you might use it to discuss the 'ontological status of historical matters.' You understand that 'kotogara' implies a structured reality—that the 'matter' has an inherent 'pattern' (gara) that can be dissected and understood. You are also capable of using it in rhetorical ways, perhaps to downplay an event as a 'trivial matter' (sasai na kotogara) or to elevate it to a 'grave matter of state' (kokka no juudai na kotogara). Your mastery includes knowing exactly when *not* to use it to avoid sounding overly pedantic, as well as using it to maintain a perfect formal register in diplomatic or executive environments.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

事柄 en 30 secondes

  • 事柄 (kotogara) means 'matter' or 'affair' in a formal context.
  • It refers to abstract facts or the nature of an event, not physical objects.
  • It is commonly found in news, academic writing, and legal documents.
  • It is more descriptive and formal than the basic word 'koto'.

The Japanese word 事柄 (ことがら) is a sophisticated noun that translates to 'matter,' 'affair,' 'circumstance,' or 'event.' While the simple word 'koto' (こと) refers to a generic 'thing' or 'event,' kotogara delves deeper into the specific nature, content, or details of that event. It is often used in formal, academic, or journalistic contexts to describe abstract concepts or specific historical occurrences that require a certain level of gravity or detail. The kanji composition itself is revealing: 事 (koto) meaning 'matter' or 'incident,' and 柄 (gara) meaning 'nature,' 'character,' or 'pattern.' Together, they signify the inherent character or specific details of a particular matter.

Abstract Nuance
Unlike physical objects, this word refers to intangible situations or facts that are being analyzed or reported.
Formal Register
It is rarely used in casual conversation, appearing instead in news reports, legal documents, and literature.
Scope
It can cover anything from a small administrative detail to a massive historical shift.

「彼は重要な事柄をノートに書き留めた。」 (He wrote down the important matters in his notebook.)

In a broader sense, 事柄 functions as a categorizing noun. When you want to discuss 'the facts of the case' or 'the items on an agenda,' this word provides the necessary structure. It suggests that the 'thing' being discussed has internal components or a specific context that needs to be understood. For example, in a scientific report, one might discuss the 'phenomena' or 'matters' observed during an experiment using this term. It elevates the discourse from simple observation to structured analysis.

「歴史的な事柄を客観的に分析する。」 (To objectively analyze historical matters.)

Furthermore, 事柄 is frequently paired with adjectives like 'important' (重要), 'trivial' (些細), or 'various' (様々). This versatility allows it to serve as a placeholder for any abstract topic. In legal contexts, it might refer to the specific 'facts' of a case that are being presented to a judge. In a business setting, it might refer to the 'items' or 'matters' that require immediate attention from the board of directors. The word carries a weight of objectivity; it is less about personal feelings and more about the external reality of the situation.

「決定すべき事柄が山積みだ。」 (There is a mountain of matters that must be decided.)

Comparison with 出来事
While 'dekigoto' refers to an event that happened, 'kotogara' refers to the content or nature of that event.
Comparison with 事項
'Jikou' is more like 'items' in a list, whereas 'kotogara' is more descriptive of the matter itself.

Using 事柄 (ことがら) correctly requires an understanding of its formal tone and its role as a noun that encapsulates abstract ideas. It is most commonly used as the subject or object of a sentence where details are being categorized or emphasized. Because it is a formal word, it pairs naturally with formal verbs like 述べる (to state), 記す (to record), or 検討する (to consider).

Grammatical Patterns

The most common way to use 事柄 is by modifying it with an adjective or a noun phrase using the particle 'no' (の). This specifies what kind of matter you are talking about.

  • [Adjective] + 事柄: 重要な事柄 (Important matter), 些細な事柄 (Trivial matter).
  • [Noun] + に関する事柄: 法律に関する事柄 (Matters concerning the law), 経済に関する事柄 (Matters concerning the economy).
  • [Verb Phrase] + 事柄: 考慮すべき事柄 (Matters that should be considered).

「プライバシーに関する事柄には慎重になるべきだ。」 (One should be cautious regarding matters concerning privacy.)

In writing, 事柄 often appears in lists or summaries. For instance, at the end of a meeting, a secretary might list the 'decided matters' (決定した事柄). It provides a professional way to group disparate topics under a single umbrella term. It is also useful when you want to avoid repeating the same noun multiple times; 事柄 acts as a high-level synonym for 'topic' or 'point.'

「次に、予算案に関する具体的な事柄について説明します。」 (Next, I will explain the specific matters regarding the budget proposal.)

Another key usage is in the context of 'historical matters' (歴史的な事柄). Here, it refers to the facts and events that constitute history. Unlike 'history' (歴史) as a general concept, 事柄 refers to the individual pieces that make up that history. This distinction is crucial for academic writing where precision is valued.

Common Verb Collocations
事柄を整理する (To organize matters), 事柄を把握する (To grasp the matters), 事柄を伝える (To convey the matters).

You will encounter 事柄 (ことがら) in environments where clarity, formality, and precision are paramount. It is a staple of the 'written' style (書き言葉), though it frequently crosses over into formal spoken Japanese, such as in news broadcasts, corporate presentations, and lectures.

1. News and Journalism

News anchors often use 事柄 when summarizing complex events or legal proceedings. It helps them categorize the 'facts' of a story without sounding too colloquial. For example, 'The following matters have come to light...' (以下の事柄が判明しました...).

「事件の背後にある複雑な事柄が次々と明らかになった。」 (The complex matters behind the incident were revealed one after another.)

2. Academic and Educational Settings

In textbooks and academic papers, 事柄 is used to discuss theories, historical facts, or scientific phenomena. A history teacher might ask students to 'summarize the important matters of the Edo period' (江戸時代の重要な事柄をまとめなさい). It implies a structured approach to learning.

3. Business and Law

In a business contract or a legal brief, 事柄 is used to refer to specific clauses or factual points. It is more formal than 'koto' and more descriptive than 'jikou' (item). It suggests that the matter has substance and legal or professional significance.

「契約書に記載された事柄を遵守してください。」 (Please comply with the matters stated in the contract.)

Finally, you might hear it in documentaries or high-level talk shows where social issues are discussed. When experts discuss 'social matters' (社会的な事柄) or 'cultural matters' (文化的な事柄), they are using the word to encompass a wide range of related facts and circumstances.

While 事柄 (ことがら) is a useful word, its formal nature makes it easy to misuse in casual settings or when referring to concrete objects. Here are the most common pitfalls for learners:

1. Using it for Physical Objects

This is the most frequent error. 事柄 refers to abstract matters, facts, or events. You cannot use it to refer to a physical thing like a book, a car, or a sandwich. For those, use 'mono' (物) or the specific name of the object.

Incorrect
机の上にいくつかの事柄がある。 (There are several matters on the desk - when meaning physical objects.)
Correct
机の上にいくつかの物がある。 (There are several things on the desk.)

2. Overuse in Casual Conversation

Using 事柄 when talking to friends about your weekend or what you ate for lunch will sound unnaturally stiff and robotic. In casual speech, 'koto' (こと) is almost always the better choice.

「昨日あったことを話すよ。」 (I'll tell you what happened yesterday. - Natural)
「昨日あった事柄を話すよ。」 (I'll tell you the matters that occurred yesterday. - Too formal/weird)

3. Confusing with 'Dekigoto' (出来事)

While similar, 'dekigoto' focuses on the *occurrence* of an event (the 'happening'), whereas 事柄 focuses on the *content* or *nature* of the matter. If you want to say 'a surprising thing happened,' use 'dekigoto.' If you want to discuss 'the details of that surprising matter,' use 事柄.

Japanese has several words that translate to 'thing' or 'matter.' Understanding the nuances between them is key to reaching a B2/C1 level of proficiency.

1. こと (Koto)

The most basic and versatile word. It can replace 事柄 in almost any context, but it lacks the formal, analytical nuance. It is used for general 'things,' 'matters,' or to nominalize verbs.

2. 事項 (Jikou)

Often translated as 'item' or 'clause.' It is used when matters are listed or categorized, such as 'items to be discussed' (協議事項) or 'important items' (重要事項). It is more 'list-oriented' than 事柄.

3. 出来事 (Dekigoto)

Refers specifically to an 'event' or 'incident' that has taken place. It emphasizes the fact that something happened. 事柄 is more about the 'what' and 'how' of the matter, while 'dekigoto' is about the 'occurrence' itself.

「昨日の出来事について、具体的な事柄を報告してください。」 (Please report the specific matters regarding yesterday's event.)

4. 案件 (Anken)

Used specifically in business or legal contexts to refer to a 'case,' 'project,' or 'matter under consideration.' It implies that there is a specific task or problem to be solved.

5. 事象 (Jishou)

A highly technical or scientific term meaning 'phenomenon.' It is used when describing observable events in nature or society from a scientific perspective.

Summary Table
WordNuanceContext
ことGeneralAnywhere
事柄Nature/ContentFormal/Academic
事項Item/ListDocuments/Forms
出来事Event/IncidentNarrative/News

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

〜に関する (regarding...)

〜についての (about...)

〜といった (such as...)

〜べき (should...)

〜に基づく (based on...)

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Exemples par niveau

1

これは大切な事柄です。

This is an important matter.

Simple A wa B desu structure.

2

いろいろな事柄を勉強します。

I study various matters.

Using 'samazama na' to modify the noun.

3

その事柄を知っていますか？

Do you know that matter?

Standard question form.

4

新しい事柄をノートに書きます。

I write new matters in my notebook.

Object + o + verb.

5

この事柄は難しいです。

This matter is difficult.

Adjective modifying the subject.

6

小さな事柄も大切です。

Small matters are also important.

Focus particle 'mo'.

7

事柄の意味を調べます。

I will look up the meaning of the matter.

Possessive particle 'no'.

8

面白い事柄がたくさんあります。

There are many interesting matters.

Existence verb 'arimasu'.

1

歴史的な事柄を学びました。

I learned about historical matters.

Na-adjective modifying a noun.

2

仕事に関する事柄を話します。

I will talk about matters concerning work.

Ni kansuru (concerning).

3

重要な事柄を忘れないでください。

Please do not forget important matters.

Negative request form.

4

彼は多くの事柄を知っている。

He knows many matters.

Plain form 'shitte iru'.

5

昨日の事柄を報告します。

I will report the matters from yesterday.

Time noun + no.

6

生活に必要な事柄を教えます。

I will teach you matters necessary for daily life.

Relative clause modifying 'kotogara'.

7

その事柄について考えましょう。

Let's think about that matter.

Ni tsuite (about).

8

些細な事柄で怒らないで。

Don't get angry over trivial matters.

De (reason/cause).

1

プライバシーに関する事柄は秘密です。

Matters concerning privacy are secret.

Formal noun usage.

2

決定すべき事柄がまだ残っている。

There are still matters that must be decided.

Bekki (should/must).

3

事実に基づいた事柄だけを述べてください。

Please state only matters based on facts.

Ni motozuita (based on).

4

社会的な事柄に関心を持つことが大切だ。

It is important to have an interest in social matters.

Koto ga taisetsu da (It is important to...).

5

報告書には具体的な事柄を詳しく書くべきだ。

You should write specific matters in detail in the report.

Adverbial 'kuwashiku'.

6

彼は個人的な事柄については話したがらない。

He doesn't like to talk about personal matters.

Garanai (doesn't seem to want to).

7

環境問題に関する様々な事柄を調査した。

We investigated various matters concerning environmental issues.

Past tense investigation.

8

この事柄は我々の将来に大きく影響する。

This matter will greatly affect our future.

Ni eikyou suru (to affect).

1

法的な事柄については専門家に相談すべきだ。

You should consult an expert regarding legal matters.

Consultation grammar.

2

その事柄の真偽を確かめる必要がある。

It is necessary to verify the truth or falsehood of that matter.

Shin-gi (truth/falsehood).

3

些細な事柄が大きな問題に発展することもある。

Trivial matters can sometimes develop into big problems.

Koto mo aru (sometimes happens).

4

歴史的な事柄を客観的な視点で分析する。

Analyze historical matters from an objective perspective.

Objective perspective phrase.

5

予算案に関する重要な事柄を審議する。

Deliberate on important matters regarding the budget proposal.

Shingi suru (to deliberate).

6

彼は抽象的な事柄を説明するのが得意だ。

He is good at explaining abstract matters.

Tokui da (be good at).

7

この書類には、契約に関する全ての事柄が記されている。

All matters concerning the contract are recorded in this document.

Passive 'shirusarete iru'.

8

文化的な事柄の違いが誤解を招くことがある。

Differences in cultural matters can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Maneku (to invite/lead to).

1

倫理的な事柄を軽視することは許されない。

It is unacceptable to disregard ethical matters.

Keishi suru (to disregard).

2

その事柄は、国家の安全保障に深く関わっている。

That matter is deeply involved in national security.

Deeply involved phrase.

3

事柄の性質上、詳細は公表できない。

Due to the nature of the matter, details cannot be made public.

Seishitsu-jou (due to the nature of).

4

哲学的な事柄について深く思索にふける。

To indulge in deep contemplation about philosophical matters.

Shisaku ni fukeru (to contemplate).

5

複数の事柄が複雑に絡み合っている。

Multiple matters are intricately intertwined.

Karamiatte iru (intertwined).

6

その事柄を解明するために、膨大なデータが必要だ。

Vast amounts of data are needed to clarify that matter.

Kaimei suru (to clarify/solve).

7

彼は公私の事柄を厳格に区別している。

He strictly distinguishes between public and private matters.

Koushi (public and private).

8

この事柄が前例となり、今後の判断に影響を及ぼすだろう。

This matter will become a precedent and influence future judgments.

Zenrei (precedent).

1

事柄の核心を突く質問が投げかけられた。

A question that pierced the core of the matter was posed.

Kakushin o tsuku (hit the core).

2

歴史の潮流の中で、個々の事柄は翻弄される。

Within the tide of history, individual matters are tossed about.

Honrou sareru (tossed about).

3

その事柄の背後にある政治的意図を看破する。

To see through the political intentions behind the matter.

Kanpa suru (to see through).

4

諸々の事柄を勘案した結果、この結論に至った。

Having taken various matters into consideration, we reached this conclusion.

Kan'an suru (take into consideration).

5

形而上学的な事柄を言語化するのは困難を極める。

Verbalizing metaphysical matters is extremely difficult.

Konnan o kiwameru (extremely difficult).

6

その事柄は、既存の概念を根底から覆すものだった。

That matter was something that overturned existing concepts from the ground up.

Kontei kara kutsugaesu (overturn from the root).

7

些末な事柄に拘泥して、大局を見失ってはならない。

One must not lose sight of the big picture by obsessing over trivial matters.

Koudei suru (to obsess over).

8

事柄の推移を注視し、適切な時期に介入する。

Closely monitor the transition of matters and intervene at the appropriate time.

Suii o chuushi suru (monitor transition).

Collocations courantes

重要な事柄 (important matter)
些細な事柄 (trivial matter)
歴史的な事柄 (historical matter)
具体的な事柄 (specific matter)
個人的な事柄 (personal matter)
事柄を述べる (to state matters)
事柄を記す (to record matters)
事柄を整理する (to organize matters)
事柄を把握する (to grasp matters)
事柄に関する (concerning matters)

Phrases Courantes

決定した事柄 (decided matters)
プライバシーに関する事柄 (matters concerning privacy)
公私の事柄 (public and private matters)
調査すべき事柄 (matters to be investigated)
以下の事柄 (the following matters)
必要な事柄 (necessary matters)
様々な事柄 (various matters)
基本的な事柄 (basic matters)
法律に関する事柄 (legal matters)
未解決の事柄 (unresolved matters)

Souvent confondu avec

事柄 vs こと (koto)

Koto is general; kotogara is formal and descriptive.

事柄 vs 物 (mono)

Mono is for physical objects; kotogara is for abstract matters.

事柄 vs 出来事 (dekigoto)

Dekigoto is the event happening; kotogara is the content of the event.

Expressions idiomatiques

"事柄の核心 (the core of the matter)"
"事柄の性質上 (due to the nature of the matter)"
"事柄の推移 (the transition/progress of matters)"
"事柄の真偽 (the truth or falsehood of the matter)"
"事柄の背景 (the background of the matter)"
"事柄の全容 (the full picture of the matter)"
"事柄の軽重 (the relative importance of matters)"
"事柄の理非 (the right and wrong of a matter)"
"事柄の帰趨 (the outcome of a matter)"
"事柄の是非 (the pros and cons of a matter)"

Facile à confondre

事柄 vs

事柄 vs

事柄 vs

事柄 vs

事柄 vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

仕事 (shigoto)
出来事 (dekigoto)
物事 (monogoto)
事項 (jikou)
人柄 (hitogara)
場所柄 (bashogara)
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Comment l'utiliser

formal vs informal

Strictly formal. Use 'koto' for informal.

abstract vs concrete

Strictly abstract. Use 'mono' for concrete.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using it for physical objects (e.g., 'table no ue no kotogara').
  • Using it in casual speech with friends.
  • Confusing it with 'hitogara' (which is for people).
  • Using it as a verb.
  • Using it for 'events' that haven't happened yet (use 'yotei' or 'keikaku').

Astuces

Use in Reports

When writing a business report, use 'kotogara' to categorize your findings. It sounds much more professional than 'koto'.

Kanji Breakdown

Remember that 'gara' (柄) means nature. So 'kotogara' is the 'nature of the matter'.

News Keywords

Listen for this word in NHK News. It often appears when they summarize the 'points' of a new law or incident.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use it in every sentence. It's a 'heavy' word. Use it once to define the topic, then use 'sore' or 'koto' to refer back to it.

Adjective Pairing

It pairs well with 'na-adjectives' like 'juuyou-na' (important) and 'gutai-teki-na' (specific).

Particle Choice

Use 'ni kansuru' (concerning) before 'kotogara' to specify the topic clearly.

Objectivity

Using 'kotogara' helps you sound objective. It removes personal emotion from the description of a fact.

Textbook Context

In JLPT N2/N1 reading sections, this word is very common. Practice identifying what specific 'matters' it refers to in the text.

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Gara' (pattern) on a 'Koto' (matter). The pattern defines the matter.

vs. Jikou

If you can put it in a bulleted list, 'jikou' might be better. If you are describing it in a sentence, 'kotogara' is better.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Koto (thing) + Gara (pattern). Think of it as the 'pattern of the thing'—the details that make it what it is.

Origine du mot

Combines the concept of an event (事) with its inherent nature or pattern (柄). Historically used to describe the 'texture' or 'quality' of a situation.

Contexte culturel

Avoid in casual speech to not sound 'stiff' (katai).

Standard term for referring to historical or scientific facts.

Use 'kotogara' in reports to sound more professional.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"最近、気になっている事柄はありますか？ (Are there any matters you've been concerned about lately?)"

"仕事で一番重要な事柄は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the most important matter at work?)"

"歴史的な事柄で興味があるものは？ (Which historical matters are you interested in?)"

"プライバシーに関する事柄についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about matters concerning privacy?)"

"今日決定すべき事柄を確認しましょう。 (Let's confirm the matters to be decided today.)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日あった重要な事柄を三つ書きなさい。 (Write down three important matters that happened today.)

将来、自分が成し遂げたい事柄について。 (About the matters you want to achieve in the future.)

自分の人生に影響を与えた歴史的な事柄。 (Historical matters that influenced your life.)

最近のニュースで気になった事柄。 (Matters that caught your attention in recent news.)

社会的に解決すべき事柄。 (Matters that should be solved socially.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'kotogara' is for matters and events. For a person's character, use 'hitogara'.

Rarely. It's mostly used in news, business, or when discussing serious topics.

'Jikou' is like an 'item' in a list. 'Kotogara' is more about the 'nature' of the matter itself.

No. 'Oishii' (delicious) is for food. You would use 'oishii koto' or just 'oishii mono'.

No, it is only a noun.

It is written as 事柄.

Not exactly. 'Rekishi-teki na kotogara' means 'historical matters/facts,' but 'history' is 'rekishi'.

Yes, you can say 'mondai to naru kotogara' (matters that become problems).

Yes, it is a formal and polite word.

There isn't a direct opposite, but 'mono' (physical thing) is its counterpart in the concrete world.

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