件

• Reading: けん
• Romaji: ken
• Kanji breakdown: 件 (ken) — matter, case, affair
• Pronunciation: /ke.n/

Meaning

Matter; case; affair; item. A topic, incident, or matter under discussion.

A versatile noun and counter. As a noun, it refers to a specific matter or affair: あの件 (that matter), 例の件 (the matter we discussed). As a counter (件), it counts cases, incidents, or items: 3件の事故 (3 accidents), メール10件 (10 emails). Very common in business and daily conversation.

Examples

1. さっきの件について相談したいのですが。 I'd like to discuss that matter from earlier.
2. 今月は問い合わせが50件もあった。 We had as many as 50 inquiries this month.
3. 例の件は無事に解決しました。 That matter was successfully resolved.

Usage Guide

Context: business, daily life, email

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 件 combines 亻 (person radical) and 牛 (cow/ox), originally meaning a person and their cattle — a matter or affair involving someone.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal