Translation and Meaning of: 期日 - kijitsu

The Japanese word 期日 (きじつ, kijitsu) is an essential term for those studying the language or dealing with documents and formal commitments in Japan. Its meaning is directly related to deadlines and designated dates, often used in bureaucratic contexts, contracts, and situations that require precision. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

Understanding 期日 goes beyond just memorizing a translation. It's important to know its cultural context and how it differs from similar . If you've ever wondered how the Japanese handle deadlines or the best way to use this word in daily life, keep reading to discover all that and much more.

Meaning and use of 期日

期日 is composed of two kanji: 期 (ki), which means "period" or "deadline," and 日 (jitsu), which translates as "day." Together, they form a word that represents a specific date, usually associated with an obligation or commitment. Unlike more generic like 日付 (ひづけ, hizuke), which refers to any date, 期日 carries a more formal tone and is linked to legal or contractual deadlines.

In everyday Japanese, this word frequently appears in official documents, such as employment contracts, bank loans, or tax declarations. For example, a payment notice may include the phrase 期日までに支払ってください (kijitsu made ni shiharatte kudasai), which means "Please pay by the due date." Its use is so specific that replacing it with a more casual synonym could cause confusion in formal contexts.

Origin and components of kanjis

The etymology of 期日 traces back to classical Chinese, where both kanjis were already used with similar meanings to the present. 期 (ki) is formed by the radicals 月 (tsuki), which means "moon" and represents the concept of time, and 其 (ki), a phonetic indicator. 日 (jitsu) is one of the oldest kanjis in Japanese writing, representing the sun and, by extension, the idea of "day."

Although the combination of these characters is relatively simple, their kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) is not applied in this case - 期日 can only be read as きじつ (kijitsu). This peculiarity is common in of older Chinese origin, which maintain only the on'yomi (Chinese reading). Japanese learners should pay attention to this detail to avoid pronunciation mistakes.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 期日 is to associate it with concrete situations where deadlines are crucial. Imagine, for example, the due date for an important tax or the expiration of a bill. Creating flashcards with real sentences, such as 契約の期日 (keiyaku no kijitsu - "contract due date"), helps internalize the term in its natural context.

It is worth ing that, although 期日 is a formal term, it is not archaic or uncommon. Corporate research shows that it appears among the 3,000 most commonly used in Japanese business documents. For those who work or study in professional environments in Japan, mastering this word is not optional - it is a basic necessity to avoid misunderstandings in situations involving legal deadlines.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 期限 (kigen) - Deadline for an action or obligation.
• 締切 (shimekiri) - Deadline, often used for delivery or submission deadlines.
• 納期 (nouki) - Delivery date or deadline for providing a product or service.
• 期程 (kikyou) - Period or schedule established for the execution of activities.