期間 — meaning in English: period

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Guess the translation for period

リース

rīsu

シーケンス

shīkensu

計画

keikaku

期間

kikan

スポット

supotto

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use '期間' in both spoken and written Japanese to refer to specific timeframes, such as during a meeting when discussing project timelines, or in academic settings when talking about semesters. For example, a teacher might say, 'この期間に試験があります,' meaning 'There will be an exam during this period.'

Synonyms & nuances

'期間' is similar to '時期' (jiki), which means 'time period' but generally has a more casual tone. While '期間' denotes a defined span often related to specific events or deadlines, '時期' can refer to broader or more vague timeframes, such as 'the time of year.' Choose '期間' when precision is key.

Culture

'期間' has roots in classical Chinese, where it originally referred to a set duration of time. In Japan, the word has evolved to encompass various periods, including seasons and academic terms, reflecting the importance of time management in Japanese culture. Interestingly, '期間' is often used in legal and formal documents, emphasizing its significance in structuring agreements and obligations.

FAQ

Q.What does 期間 mean in English?

'期間' translates to 'period' in English, referring to a specific duration of time. It is commonly used in various contexts like education, business, and daily conversations.

Q.How do you use 期間 in a sentence?

You can use '期間' in sentences such as 'この期間は特に忙しいです,' meaning 'This period is especially busy.' It helps clarify the timeframe being discussed.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 期間?

A common mistake is using '期間' to refer to an indefinite time. Remember, '期間' implies a specific duration, so it should be used when you can clearly define the start and end dates.

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