Meaning and Usage
"事故" (じこ) primarily means "accident" and refers to unexpected events that cause harm or damage, such as traffic accidents or workplace incidents. It is a common noun used in both formal and informal contexts.
Common Collocations
- 交通事故 (こうつうじこ): traffic accident
- 事故にあう: to have an accident
- 事故を起こす: to cause an accident
- 事故現場 (じこげんば): accident scene
Usage Notes
When using "事故," speakers often imply an unintended event that disrupts normal conditions. It is frequently used in news reports, conversations about safety, and insurance contexts.
Be careful not to confuse "事故" with "事件" (じけん), which means "incident" or "case" and often refers to criminal or legal matters rather than accidents.
Register and Politeness
"事故" is a neutral noun and can be used in both casual and formal speech. When reporting or discussing accidents, polite forms are often used depending on the context.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "事故にあう" (to have an accident) with "事故をする" (to cause an accident). Remember that "事故にあう" emphasizes being the victim, while "事故を起こす" or "事故をする" means causing the accident.