事(こと)の次第(しだい)

ことのしだい
expression
the circumstances; the details of what happened
formalcommunication
1. the circumstances; the details of what happened; how things came about
Refers to the full sequence of events or circumstances surrounding a situation. Used when explaining or asking for the background of how something unfolded.
事(こと)の次第(しだい)を説明(せつめい)する。
To explain the circumstances.
事(こと)の次第(しだい)を聞(き)いて、ようやく事情(じじょう)が分(わ)かった。
After hearing the details of what happened, I finally understood the situation.
上司(じょうし)に事(こと)の次第(しだい)を報告(ほうこく)しなければならない。
I must report the full circumstances to my boss.

Usage

事(こと) means "matter" or "affair," and 次第(しだい) here means "order" or "sequence of events." Together they refer to the full story of how something came to be. Often used in formal explanations or reports about incidents.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 経緯(けいい): the background, the history — similar but more formal, emphasizes the process over time
  • 事情(じじょう): circumstances, reasons — focuses on the underlying reasons rather than the sequence of events
  • 顛末(てんまつ): the whole story from start to finish — more formal, emphasizes the conclusion

Related Words

Synonym: 事情(じじょう) (circumstances)
Compare: 経緯(けいい) (the background, the history)
Compare: 顛末(てんまつ) (the whole story from start to finish)
general
Added 2026.3.17 15:03 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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