Translation and Meaning of: 延期 - enki

The Japanese word 延期[えんき] is a very useful term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life. Additionally, we will provide tips for memorizing this vocabulary and some curiosities about its usage in different contexts. If you've ever wondered how to say "postponement" or "extension" in Japanese, you're in the right place.

Meaning and Translation of 延期

延期[えんき] means, essentially, "postponement" or "delay." It is a word composed of the kanji 延 (to prolong, extend) and 期 (period, deadline), forming a concept that indicates the act of deferring something to a later date. In English, the most common translation is "postponement" or "delay."

This term is frequently used in formal and informal situations, such as business meetings, school events, or even personal appointments. For example, if a company needs to reschedule a meeting, it is likely that the notification will include the word 延期 to communicate the postponement.

Origin and Use of Kanjis

The composition of 延期 comes from the combination of two kanjis with complementary meanings. The first, 延, carries the idea of lengthening or extending, while 期 refers to a defined period or deadline. Together, they convey the notion of extending an already established deadline.

It is worth noting that both kanjis are common in Japanese vocabulary. 延 appears in words like 延長[えんちょう] (extension) and 延期[えんき] (postponement), while 期 is found in terms like 期間[きかん] (period) and 期限[きげん] (deadline). This familiarity aids in learning and memorization.

How to Memorize 延期

An effective way to remember 延期 is to associate it with everyday situations. Imagine that you need to postpone an appointment: thinking of the word in Japanese in that context helps reinforce its meaning. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like 会議が延期されました (The meeting was postponed).

Additionally, observing the radicals of kanjis can facilitate learning. 延 has the radical 廴 (prolonged movement), while 期 includes 月 (moon/month) and 其 (base for "period"). These visual cues help in understanding the structure of the word.

Cultural Use and Frequency

In Japan, 延期 is a common word in professional and academic settings, especially when there are unforeseen circumstances. Companies and schools often use it to communicate changes in dates clearly and objectively. On the other hand, in more informal situations, Japanese people may choose simpler expressions, such as 後で (after).

Interestingly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the term gained even more relevance, as many events were postponed or canceled. News about the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, for example, often included the word 延期.