Meaning

Primary

Unexpected Incident

Alternative

Unusual Incident

Word Type

noun

Explanation

You know means "change," but it can also mean "strange." So a strange occurrence is an incident that is unlikely. In other words, an unexpected incident or an unusual incident.

変事 is a formal word used to describe sudden and unusual occurrences that disrupt normal conditions, such as natural disasters, emergencies, or crises. You won't see this word often, but may still come across it in formal writing.

With 変事, think of how the comes first to emphasize the strangeness of the incident.

Reading

へんじ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 変事が起こる

    a strange incident occurs

    変事が発生する

    a strange incident occurs

    変事が起きる

    a strange incident occurs

    変事がつづく

    strange incidents continue

Context Sentences

その年に、変事が起きたんです。

An unusual incident happened that year.

変事が発生した場合のシミュレーションをしておくべきだと思います。

I think we should simulate what to do in case something strange happens.

トーフグに何か変事が起きたんじゃないかと、全ワニカニユーザーが心配していたんですよ。

All WaniKani users were worried that some unusual incident had befallen Tofugu.

Kanji Composition