都合（つごう、tsugou）
- convenience

The Japanese word 都合 都合, pronounced つごう つごう (tsugou), is a versatile noun with several related meanings, all centered around the idea of "circumstances," "convenience," "situation," or "condition." It often refers to the feasibility or suitability of something, taking into account various factors like time, resources, and personal preferences. ⚫︎ It can refer to one's own personal availability or schedule. ⚫︎ It can describe external factors or circumstances that influence a situation. ⚫︎ It can also imply a level of agreement or accommodation. The core concept is about whether something is appropriate or workable given the prevailing conditions.

⚫︎ 都合都合がいい。 Translation: It's convenient/suitable. ⚫︎ 都合都合が悪い。 Translation: It's inconvenient/unsuitable. ⚫︎ あなたのご《都合》都合はいかがですか？ Translation: How does it suit you? (How's your convenience?)

都合都合 is used in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal business settings. It is essential to consider the situation and the nuance you want to convey. ⚫︎ When discussing your availability, you can use expressions like 私の《都合》都合 (my circumstances/availability). ⚫︎ To inquire about someone else's schedule, you can ask about their ご《都合》都合 (your convenience). ⚫︎ To talk about the general situation, you may use 状況の《都合》都合 (the circumstances of the situation). The appropriate expression will depend on whether you’re inquiring about personal circumstances, general conditions, or negotiating arrangements. Note that it's important to use polite prefixes like ご to show respect when discussing another person's 都合都合.

The word 都合都合 is typically written in kanji 都合. The reading is つごう つごう in hiragana. There are no other ways of writing it in common usage. The okurigana is standard, with no variations.

Some words with similar meanings include: ⚫︎ 状況 (じょうきょう) - circumstances, situation ⚫︎ 事情 (じじょう) - circumstances, reasons ⚫︎ 都合都合よく (つごうよく) - conveniently ⚫︎ 手配 (てはい) - arrangements ⚫︎ 事情事情 都合都合 is often the most flexible and widely used word in daily conversation.

There aren't direct antonyms, but you can express the opposite with phrases like: ⚫︎ 不《都合》都合 (ふつごう) - inconvenience ⚫︎ 都合都合が悪い (つごうがわるい) - inconvenient, unsuitable

明日の会議は、あなたの《都合》都合の良い時間に設定できますか？》 ・Translation: Can we set tomorrow's meeting at a time that is convenient for you? ・Explanation: This sentence uses 都合都合 to ask about the other person's schedule and availability for the meeting.

申し訳ありませんが、今日は私の《都合》都合が悪いので、参加できません。》 ・Translation: I'm sorry, but I can't participate today because it's not convenient for me. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 都合都合が悪い (inconvenient) to explain the reason for non-participation.

The word 都合都合 is made up of two kanji: 都 (to) meaning "capital" or "all" and 合 (gou) meaning "fit," "suit," or "join." Together, they combine to form the idea of "everything fitting together" or "circumstances fitting." It originally referred to making arrangements or fitting things together to create an environment of comfort and ease.