場合

• Reading: ばあい
• Romaji: baai
• Kanji breakdown: 場 (jō/ba) — place, scene; 合 (gō/a) — fit, join, match
• Pronunciation: /ba.a.i/

Meaning

Case; occasion; situation; circumstances. Used to describe a particular set of conditions or scenarios.

A noun that functions as a conditional marker when followed by particles like は or に. 場合 is more formal and specific than 時 (toki) and emphasises hypothetical or particular conditions. Extremely common in instructions, rules, and legal or business writing.

Examples

1. 雨の場合は試合を中止します。 In case of rain, the game will be canceled.
2. この場合はどうすればいいですか。 What should I do in this case?
3. 電車が遅れた場合にはバスで行きましょう。 If the train is delayed, let's go by bus.

Usage Guide

Context: instructions, rules, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 場 (place/scene) and 合 (fit/match). Together they suggest a situation where circumstances come together — a particular case or occasion.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal