シナリオ
shinario[ɕina̠ɾʲio̞]
The English phrase "scenario" is translated into Japanese as シナリオ (shinario).
シナリオ refers to an outline or model of an expected or supposed sequence of events. The loanword シナリオ is used in formal settings, especially in the context of movies, dramas and theater productions.
Meaning: outline or model of an expected or supposed sequence of events (noun)
Which one should you use?
While シナリオ is a common way to express a scenario, you may encounter other terms depending on the specific nuance. In casual contexts, people often use the loanword ストーリー to discuss a story's plot or scenario.
How do you pronounce it?
shinario
Did you know?
- In Japanese, if you want to talk about a 'worst-case scenario', people often use the phrase 最悪の事態, which translates to 'the worst possible situation' rather than using the word 'scenario' itself.
- In Japanese corporate and political culture, シナリオ is often used to describe a meticulously planned 'script' for a meeting or press conference to ensure a specific outcome.
- The word シナリオ shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'scene', both tracing back to the Greek word for a stage or tent.
Examples in context
- 最悪のシナリオは何ですか？What's the worst case scenario?This sentence is useful for asking about the worst case scenario using シナリオ.Tatoeba #5132386 by pekerappo, translation #5132209 by CK
- 映画のシナリオみたいですね。That's something like a movie scenario.This sentence is useful for comparing something to a movie scenario using シナリオ.Tatoeba #189327 by small_snow, translation #26474 by keegi
- 映画のシナリオを書くTo write a movie scenario
- 新しい小説の筋書きを考えるTo think about the plot of a new novel
- 最近のアニメのシナリオは面白いよねThe scenarios in recent anime are interesting, you know?
- 新しいプロジェクトのシナリオを考えましょう。Atarashii purojekuto no shinario o kangaemashou.Let's think of a scenario for the new project.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project plan.
- 大翔 Hiroto大翔です。最善のシナリオを準備しました。Daisho desu. Saizen no shinario o junbi shimashita.This is Daisho. I have prepared the best-case scenario.
- 美咲 Misaki美咲です。内容を確認しますね。Misaki desu. Naiyou o kakunin shimasu ne.This is Misaki. I will check the details.
- 大翔 Hiroto問題はありませんか？mondai wa arimasen ka?Are there any problems?
- 美咲 Misakiいいえ、完璧なシナリオだと思います。ie, kanpeki na shinario da to omoimasu.No, I think it is a perfect scenario.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry シナリオ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries シナリオ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
