1.
private matter; personal affairs
One's own personal or private business, as opposed to public or work matters. Often used to preface a personal remark.
私事で恐縮ですが、来月結婚します。
If I may share a personal matter, I'm getting married next month.
仕事に私事を持ち込まない。
to not bring personal matters into work.
私事を理由に会社を休むのは気が引ける。
I feel reluctant to take time off work for personal reasons.
A polite, slightly formal word for one's own private affairs. The set phrase 私事で恐縮ですが humbly introduces a personal topic, often in a speech.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 私事で恐縮ですが: if I may mention a personal matter
- 私事を持ち込む: to bring in personal matters
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 私事: the same kanji read しじ — also 'private affairs,' more bookish
- 公事: public or official matters — the antonym