境 遇(きょうぐう)

きょうぐう

noun

circumstances, situation in life, lot

formalwritten

1. circumstances, situation in life, one's lot

The overall conditions or situation a person finds themselves in, especially regarding social standing, family background, or life circumstances. Often carries a nuance of fate or conditions beyond one's control.

似(に)た境遇(きょうぐう)の人(ひと)と出会(であ)った。

I met someone in similar circumstances.

境遇(きょうぐう)に負(ま)けずに努力(どりょく)を続(つづ)けた。

I kept working hard without giving in to my circumstances.

子供(こども)の頃(ころ)の厳(きび)しい境遇(きょうぐう)が彼(かれ)の性格(せいかく)に大(おお)きな影響(えいきょう)を与(あた)えた。

The harsh circumstances of his childhood had a great impact on his personality.

Usage

Often used when discussing hardship, inequality, or the influence of life conditions on a person's character or fate. Carries a somewhat literary or formal tone and implies conditions that shape a person's life rather than temporary situations.

Common collocations

厳(きび)しい境遇(きょうぐう): harsh circumstances
恵(めぐ)まれない境遇(きょうぐう): unfortunate circumstances
境遇(きょうぐう)に負(ま)けない: not give in to one's circumstances
同(おな)じ境遇(きょうぐう): same circumstances
境遇(きょうぐう)を乗(の)り越(こ)える: overcome one's circumstances

Similar words

境遇(きょうぐう) emphasizes life conditions that shape who someone is. 環境(かんきょう) (environment) is broader and includes physical surroundings. 状況(じょうきょう) (situation) is more neutral and temporary.

Related Words

Synonym: 環境(かんきょう) (environment (broader))

Synonym: 状況(じょうきょう) (situation (temporary))

Compare: 身(み)の上(うえ) (one's circumstances)

general

Added 2026.2.20 13:56 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

12000/12097_kyouguu