状況
jōkyō[d͡ʑo̞ːkʲo̞ː]
The English word "situation" can be translated into Japanese as 状況 (jōkyō). Wiktionary also lists 情勢 (jōsei).
Meaning: combination of circumstances at a given moment, state of affairs (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 状況 | jōkyō | [d͡ʑo̞ːkʲo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 情勢 | jōsei | [d͡ʑo̞ːse̞ː] (narrow) |
状況 is a formal term used to discuss general circumstances and conditions. It describes the combination of circumstances present at a given moment. Note that 状態 is more specifically used to refer to the condition or state of a situation in formal contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 状況 is composed of two parts: 状, meaning state or appearance and 況, meaning condition or circumstances.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between 状況 and 情勢. While 状況 refers to a general state of affairs or circumstances, 情勢 is used for large-scale, macro-level situations such as international, political or economic affairs.
How do you pronounce it?
jōkyō
Did you know?
- While 状況 describes a scene, the word 空気 meaning 'air' is used to describe the social 'situation' or mood one must read to avoid awkwardness.
- Because 情勢 (jōsei) carries a weight of geopolitical importance, using it to describe a friend's messy breakup can sound like you are reporting on a major international crisis.
- While English speakers use 'chaos' to describe a messy situation, Japanese speakers frequently adopt the loanword カオス (kaosu) to describe a confusing or chaotic state of affairs.
Examples in context
- 状況は最悪だ。The situation is ugly.This sentence is useful for describing how the 状況 is at its worst.Tatoeba #5748760 by daifons, translation #5748139 by CM
- 難しい状況です。This is a difficult situation.This sentence is useful for describing a 状況 that is difficult.Tatoeba #123195 by KK_kaku_, translation #280804 by CK
- 状況は絶望的だ。The situation is hopeless.This sentence is useful for describing a 状況 that is hopeless.Tatoeba #1066811 by bunbuku, translation #268509 by CK
- この状況では、迅速な対応が求められます。In this situation, prompt action is required.
- 最近の状況、どうなってる？What's the recent situation like?
- 彼女の状態が気になるんだよ。I'm worried about her situation/state.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are discussing a delay at work.
- 結衣 Yui今の状況はどうなっているの？ima no joukyou wa dou natte iru no?What is the current situation like?
- 蓮 Ren少し混乱している状況です。sukoshi konran shite iru joukyou desu.It is a slightly confusing situation.
- 結衣 Yui蓮君、すぐに対応できる？ren-kun, sugu ni taiou dekiru?Ren, can you handle it immediately?
- 蓮 Renはい、すぐに確認します。hai, sugu ni kakunin shimasu.Yes, I will check immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “situation” translations and entries 状況, 情勢, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
