Translation and Meaning of: 定期 - teiki

The Japanese word 定期[ていき] is a very useful term in daily life, especially for those living in Japan or studying the language. Its main meaning relates to something that occurs at regular intervals, such as a periodic event or a transport . In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in different contexts, and some interesting facts about its origin and practical application.

In addition to understanding the meaning of 定期, we will see how it appears in everyday situations, from purchasing train es to subscriptions for services. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese use this word or how to memorize it efficiently, keep reading to discover valuable information and practical tips.

Meaning and use of 定期 in everyday life

The term 定期 is composed of two kanji: 定 (tei), which means "fixed" or "determined," and 期 (ki), which refers to a "period" or "deadline." Together, they form the idea of something that occurs at regular intervals, like a recurring appointment or a service with a defined validity. One of the most common uses of this word is in 定期券[ていきけん], the transportation that many people use to take trains and buses daily.

In addition to transportation, 定期 also appears in contexts such as magazine subscriptions (定期購入) or events that occur monthly (定期イベント). The word carries a notion of predictability and organization, values that are very present in Japanese culture. If you have ever needed to schedule a recurring medical appointment or renew a subscription, you have likely encountered this term.

Origin and structure of the kanjis 定期

The etymology of 定期 dates back to classical Chinese, where the characters 定 and 期 were already used together to express the idea of a fixed period. The kanji 定 is composed of the radical 宀 (roof) combined with 正 (correct), suggesting something established correctly. Meanwhile, 期 contains the radical 月 (moon/month) along with 其 (an indicator of time), reinforcing the notion of temporal cycles.

This combination is not random – it reflects the importance that Japanese culture places on punctuality and organization. By learning these components, it becomes easier to understand why 定期 is used in contexts involving repetition and reliability. To memorize, a tip is to associate 定 with "something fixed" and 期 with "a period," creating a mental image of an event that always occurs at the same interval.

Practical tips for using 定期 in sentences

If you want to incorporate 定期 into your vocabulary, try using it in situations like "定期券を買いました" (I bought a monthly ) or "この雑誌は定期購読しています" (I subscribe to this magazine regularly). The word is versatile and appears in both informal conversations and in more formal contexts, such as contracts and official documents.

It is worth noting that, although 定期 is often translated as "regular" or "periodic," its use can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it takes on a more technical meaning, such as in 定期点検 (periodic inspection) or 定期預金 (time deposit). Therefore, always pay attention to the that accompany it to capture the exact meaning in each situation.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 定期的 (teikiteki) - Regular, periodical
• 定期的に (teikiteki ni) - Regularly, periodically
• 定期的な (teikiteki na) - What is regular, which has regularity
• 周期的 (shūkiteki) - Cyclical, occurring in cycles
• 周期的に (shūkiteki ni) - Cyclically, in a cyclical manner
• 周期的な (shūkiteki na) - What is cyclical, that occurs in cycles