Translation and Meaning of: 期 - ki
The Japanese word 期[き] is a versatile term frequently used in the language, carrying meanings that range from "period" to "expectation." If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its correct usage and cultural context can be extremely useful. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical applications of 期, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.
Meaning and usage of 期[き]
期[き] is a kanji that generally refers to a specific "period" or "phase," but it can also mean "expectation" or "promise." It appears in words like 期間[きかん] (time period) and 期待[きたい] (expectation). This duality of meanings makes it an essential word for anyone wishing to communicate precisely in Japanese.
In everyday contexts, 期 is often used to mark events or stages, such as in 学期[がっき] (school semester) or 妊娠期[にんしんき] (pregnancy period). Its presence in both formal and informal demonstrates its relevance in both written and spoken language.
Origin and composition of the kanji 期
The kanji 期 is composed of two main elements: the radical 月 (tsuki), which means "moon" and is associated with time, and the component 其 (ki), which reinforces the idea of something specific or marked. This combination reflects the meaning of the word well, as the age of time (moon) and delimitation (其) are directly linked to periods and expectations.
Historically, the kanji 期 has roots in ancient Chinese, where it was also used to indicate cycles and deadlines. When incorporated into Japanese, it retained this meaning but gained additional nuances, such as the idea of "promise" or "commitment," present in expressions like 期限[きげん] (deadline).
Tips for memorizing and using 期[き]
An effective way to memorize 期 is to associate it with common compound words, such as 期末[きまつ] (end of term) or 時期[じき] (specific time). Practicing with everyday sentences, like "試験の時期が近づいています" (The exam season is approaching), helps to reinforce its use naturally.
Another tip is to observe kanji in real contexts, such as in deadline announcements (期限) or school calendars (学期). Constant exposure to these examples helps internalize the term. Additionally, understanding its composition (月 + 其) can be a valuable resource for those learning to write kanjis.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 期間 (kikan) - Fixed term period.
- 期限 (kigen) - Deadline or time limit.
- 期末 (kimatsu) - End of a term or semester.
- 期待 (kitai) - Expectation or hope in relation to something.
- 期日 (kijitsu) - Deadline or expiration date.
Related words
Romaji: ki
Kana: き
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1
Translation / Meaning: Period of time
Meaning in English: period;time
Definition: a certain period of time.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
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How to Write in Japanese - (期) ki
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (期) ki:
Example Sentences - (期) ki
See below some example sentences:
Watashi no pasupōto wa yūkō kigen ga kirete imasu
My port is expired.
My port has expired.
- 私の - possessive pronoun "my"
- パスポート - noun "port"
- は - Topic particle
- 有効期限 - noun "expiration date"
- が - subject particle
- 切れています - verb "to be overdue"
Shoumouhin wa teikiteki ni hokan suru hitsuyou ga arimasu
The consumable items need to be refilled regularly.
Consumables must be replenished regularly.
- 消耗品 (shoumouhin) - consumable products
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 定期的に (teikiteki ni) - periodically
- 補充する (hojyuu suru) - refuel
- 必要があります (hitsuyou ga arimasu) - Is required
Kigen made ni teishutsu shite kudasai
Please send up to the deadline.
Please send to the deadline.
- 期限 (kigen) - Deadline, due date
- までに (made ni) - until, before
- 提出 (teishutsu) - Submission, delivery
- してください (shite kudasai) - Please, make.
Kijitsu made ni teishutsu shite kudasai
Please send it to the due date.
Please send it to the due date.
- 期日 - deadline
- までに - up until
- 提出 - submission
- してください - Please do
Shuuki wa teikiteki ni kurikaesaremasu
Cycles repeat regularly.
The cycle is repeated regularly.
- 周期 - Period
- は - Topic particle
- 定期的に - regularly
- 繰り返されます - is repeated
Jinsei wa yokisenu houkou ni tenjiru koto ga aru
Life can change direction unexpectedly.
Life can turn in an unexpected direction.
- 人生 - Life
- は - Topic particle
- 予期せぬ - Inesperado
- 方向 - Direction
- に - Destination particle
- 転じる - change
- こと - Abstract noun
- が - Subject particle
- ある - exist
Kono jiko no hassei wa yokisenu mono deshita
The occurrence of this accident was unexpected.
The occurrence of this accident was unexpected.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
- 事故 - noun meaning "accident"
- の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
- 発生 - noun meaning "occurrence" or "appearance"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 予期せぬ - adjective meaning "unexpected" or "unpredictable"
- もの - noun meaning "thing" or "object"
- でした - verb "to be" in the polite past
Kono kuupon wa yuukou kigen ga kirete imasu
This coupon has expired.
This coupon has expired.
- この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
- クーポン - a noun that means "coupon" or "voucher"
- は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "the coupon"
- 有効期限 - compound noun that means "expiration date"
- が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "the expiration date"
- 切れています - verb 切れる (kireru) in the te-form (切れて) followed by the verb いる (iru) in the politeness form, meaning "to be overdue" or "to be expired"
Kono jiki wa kafunshou ga hidoi desu
This time
Right now, hay fever is terrible.
- この時期 - current period
- は - Topic particle
- 花粉症 - pollen allergy
- が - subject particle
- ひどい - severe, intense
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Yoki senu dekigoto ga okotta
An unexpected event has occurred.
An unexpected event has happened.
- 予期せぬ - Inesperado
- 出来事 - event, incident
- が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 起こった - happened, occurred
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
