期間 vs. 定期: Both of Them Are The Same Meaning?
What is the difference between “期間 and 定期“? Both of Them Are The Same Meaning? After reading this, you would be answering this question. Let me introduce what their subtle differences are and how you correctly use them such as native speakers today!
期間 (kikan)
Period/Term / 期间 / 기간 / Thời hạn
“期間” means “Period or Term” and which has been used as the meaning of “a length of time:”. The basic way to use it is “___(の)期間(___ period / period of ___), “AとBの間の期間(the time between A and B”, etc. For instance, 対象期間(The coverage period), “クリスマスと正月の期間(the period between Christmas and the New Year”, “留学期間(Period of study abroad)”, etc. Although “AとBの間(Between A and B)” is more casual than “AとBの期間(Between A and B)”, “期間” is not that formal.




定期 (teiki) / 定期的に (teiki-tekini)
Regular/Regularly / 定期 / 정기 / Định kỳ
“定期” means “Regular” and which has been used as the meaning of “happening or doing something often”. The basic way to use it is “定期___” or “定期に___する”. For instance 定期預金(term deposit), 定期購読(subscription), 定期券(commuter pass), “定期に更新する(regularly renew)”, “定期に病院に行く(go to a hospital regularly)”, etc. “定期” is used as the meaning of “repeat when it comes to the period” and “期間 is used as the meaning of just “period”.



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