Yuka期間 and 定期 both relate to time periods — but they are used in very different ways. Let’s clear up the confusion!
ReiRight! 期間 (kikan) is a span of time — a duration. 定期 (teiki) means regular or fixed-interval — something that happens periodically.
| 期間 (kikan) | 定期 (teiki) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Period / duration / span of time | Regular interval / periodic |
| Part of speech | Noun | Noun / prefix (定期的な, 定期券) |
| Focus | Length of time | Regularity / fixed schedule |
| Example | 期間限定 | 定期的に運動する |
期間 — A Span of Time
期間 (kikan) refers to a defined period or duration — from a start point to an end point. It answers “how long?”
- 期間限定のメニュー。— A limited-time menu.
- 研修期間は3ヶ月です。— The training period is 3 months.
- 有効期間を確認してください。— Please check the validity period.
- 試用期間中は給与が低い。— Salary is lower during the trial period.
定期 — Regular and Recurring
定期 (teiki) focuses on regularity — something that happens at fixed intervals. It is used as a noun (定期 = regular/fixed schedule) and as a prefix in compounds.
- 定期的に歯医者に行く。— I go to the dentist regularly.
- 定期券を買った。— I bought a commuter pass (fixed-schedule ticket).
- 定期預金に預けた。— I deposited money in a time deposit (fixed-term savings).
- 定期検診を受ける。— To have a regular check-up.
Common Compounds
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 期間限定 | きかんげんてい | Limited time only |
| 有効期間 | ゆうこうきかん | Validity period |
| 定期券 | ていきけん | Commuter / season pass |
| 定期的に | ていきてきに | Regularly / periodically |
| 定期預金 | ていきよきん | Fixed-term deposit |
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
English speakers may mix these up because both involve time. Remember: 期間 = “how long” (duration), 定期 = “how often” (regularity). If you want to say something lasts 3 months, use 期間. If you want to say something happens monthly, use 定期的に.
Quick Quiz
Which word fits: “This service is _____ (limited to a certain time period)”?
Answer: 期間 — 期間限定のサービスです。
Practice with a Tutor
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