経緯

• Reading: けいい
• Romaji: keii
• Kanji breakdown: 経 (kei) — passage, sutra, longitude; 緯 (i) — weft, latitude
• Pronunciation: /ke.i.i/

Meaning

Sequence of events; course of developments; circumstances. The full background and progression of a situation.

A noun describing how events unfolded over time. Commonly used in formal or explanatory contexts to outline the background of a situation. Often appears with を説明する (to explain the course of events) and を話す (to tell the circumstances). Originally a weaving term meaning warp and weft.

Examples

1. 事故が起きた経緯を詳しく説明した。 It's important to have respect for your teachers.
2. この問題には複雑な経緯がある。 I'd like to express my respect for his hard work.
3. 二人が出会った経緯は面白い話だ。 You should show respect for other people's cultures.

Usage Guide

Context: explanations, reports, investigations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 経 (longitude, sutra, passage) and 緯 (latitude, weft). Originally a textile term for warp (経) and weft (緯) threads, later extended to mean the interwoven course of events.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal