1.
circumstances; details; the whole story
The sequence of events or background leading to a particular situation. Used when explaining how something came about.
2.
complications; entanglement
Difficulties or complex factors involved in a situation, often implying interpersonal friction or complicated relationships.
Usage
Usually written in hiragana. The kanji form 経緯 exists but is uncommon and can also be read けいい with a slightly different nuance (more formal, factual). いきさつ tends to imply a narrative background with emotional or interpersonal complexity.
Common collocations
- いきさつを話す (to tell the circumstances)
- いきさつを説明する (to explain the details)
- いきさつを知る (to learn the background)
- 複雑ないきさつ (complicated circumstances)