An accident is an unforeseen negative event that results in damage or injury.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to an unexpected event causing harm or damage.
- Commonly used for traffic accidents and workplace mishaps.
- Implies a negative outcome or system failure.
常见语境：最常见的语境是交通领域（交通事故），其次是职场安全（工伤事故）和设备运行（技术事故）。在新闻报道中，这个词出现的频率极高，用于客观陈述灾难或突发事件。
- 1近义词辨析：“事故”强调的是“意外”和“负面结果”；“事件”是一个中性词，可以是好事也可以是坏事；“故障”通常指机器或系统内部的损坏，不一定造成人员伤亡；“灾难”则比“事故”程度更深，通常指造成巨大损失的严重事件。
Examples
昨天路上发生了一起交通事故。
everydayThere was a traffic accident on the road yesterday.
工厂必须严格遵守安全规程，以避免生产事故。
formalFactories must strictly follow safety protocols to avoid production accidents.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
重大事故
Major accident
无事故
Accident-free
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to mechanical or technical breakdowns. It does not necessarily involve injury or large-scale damage.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is formal and objective, often used in news reports or official documentation. It is not used in casual conversation to describe minor inconveniences. Always pair it with verbs like '发生' or '造成'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for minor technical glitches, which is incorrect. It is also a mistake to use it for positive events. Ensure the context involves a negative outcome.
Tips
Focus on the negative
Always remember that '事故' carries a negative connotation. Never use it to describe positive surprises or events.
Don't confuse with故障
Use '故障' for minor mechanical breakdowns that don't necessarily cause harm. Use '事故' for events involving safety or significant damage.
Safety culture
In China, the phrase '安全第一，预防为主' (Safety first, prevention is key) is widely used in workplaces to emphasize the avoidance of '事故'.
Word Origin
The word combines '事' (event/matter) and '故' (which can mean reason, but also implies an unusual or broken state). Historically, it denotes an event that deviates from the normal course.
Cultural Context
Public safety is a major focus in Chinese society, and the word '事故' is frequently highlighted in government safety campaigns to raise public awareness.
Memory Tip
Think of '事' (matter) + '故' (cause/reason/accident). When a 'matter' has a 'bad cause' or unexpected turn, it becomes an 'accident'.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions“事件”是中性词，指发生的事情，不一定有害。而“事故”专指意外发生的、造成损失或伤害的负面事件。
不可以。因为“事故”本身带有负面含义，表示损失或不幸，不能用来形容好事。
在职场中，它通常指安全生产事故，例如机器故障导致工人受伤，或违反操作规程引发的火灾等。
Test Yourself
由于路面结冰，高速公路上发生了一起严重的交通事故，导致交通___了。
交通事故会导致交通阻塞或瘫痪，其他选项语义不通。
Score: /1
Summary
An accident is an unforeseen negative event that results in damage or injury.
- Refers to an unexpected event causing harm or damage.
- Commonly used for traffic accidents and workplace mishaps.
- Implies a negative outcome or system failure.
Focus on the negative
Always remember that '事故' carries a negative connotation. Never use it to describe positive surprises or events.
Don't confuse with故障
Use '故障' for minor mechanical breakdowns that don't necessarily cause harm. Use '事故' for events involving safety or significant damage.
Safety culture
In China, the phrase '安全第一，预防为主' (Safety first, prevention is key) is widely used in workplaces to emphasize the avoidance of '事故'.
Examples
2 of 2昨天路上发生了一起交通事故。
There was a traffic accident on the road yesterday.
工厂必须严格遵守安全规程，以避免生产事故。
Factories must strictly follow safety protocols to avoid production accidents.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
议定
A2to decide after discussion, to agree upon
