Translation and Meaning of: 期間 - kikan

The Japanese word 期間[きかん] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is related to periods of time, deadlines, or durations, and it is widely used in both formal and informal contexts. In this article, we will explore everything from the meaning and origin to the everyday use of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it easily.

If you have ever encountered 期間 in contracts, ments, or even in everyday conversations, understanding its correct usage can prevent confusion. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and practical explanations to ease your learning. Let's dive into the details of this word and discover how it fits into the Japanese language and culture.

Meaning and use of 期間

The term 期間 is composed of two kanji: 期 (period, marked time) and 間 (interval, space). Together, they form a word that refers to a specific lapse of time, such as deadlines, durations, or intervals. For example, in employment contracts, it is common to see expressions such as 契約期間 (contract period) or 試用期間 (probation period).

Besides the bureaucratic context, 期間 appears in everyday situations, such as store promotions (キャンペーン期間) or seasonal events. The word carries a neutral tone and can be used in both formal and informal s. However, in casual conversations, Japanese people tend to prefer simpler like 時間 (time/hour) or 期限 (deadline), depending on the context.

Origin and components of kanjis

The etymology of 期間 traces back to classical Chinese, where the kanjis 期 and 間 were already used to indicate temporal divisions. The first kanji, 期, represents the idea of a defined time, combining the radical for "moon" (月) with the phonetic component 其. On the other hand, 間, one of the most versatile kanjis in the Japanese language, originally symbolized the sunlight entering through a crack, hence its association with intervals and spaces.

It is worth noting that, although 間 can be read as "aida" (space between objects), its reading as "kan" in 期間 emphasizes the temporal sense. This duality is common in Japanese and can confuse beginners, but understanding the composition of the kanji helps to solidify the correct meaning. One tip is to associate 期 with "temporal markers" (such as 期限 - deadline) and 間 with "spaces" (such as 時間 - hour/time).

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to internalize 期間 is to create mental associations. For example, think of "ki" (期) as a "period that repeats" (like the seasons of the year) and "kan" (間) as the "space between two points." Together, they form a defined block of time. This technique is particularly useful for those studying for exams like the JLPT, where recognizing compound kanjis is essential.

Another strategy is to practice with real examples. Write down sentences like この期間は忙しいです (I am busy during this period) or 申し込み期間が終了しました (The application period has ended). By seeing the word in various contexts, your brain creates stronger connections. Apps like Anki or Quizlet can help in this process, especially if you include audio to train the correct pronunciation (きかん, with a flat tone).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 期限 (kigen) - Deadline, due date
• 期間限定 (kikan gentei) - Time limit, restricted to a certain duration
• 期間中 (kikan chuu) - During the period
• 期間内 (kikan nai) - Within the period, before the deadline
• 期間限定商品 (kikan gentei shouhin) - Limited time product, available only for a short period