Translation and Meaning of: 短期 - tanki

The Japanese word 短期[たんき] is a common term in everyday Japan, especially in contexts involving planning, work, or studies. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding the meaning and use of this expression can be quite helpful. In this article, we will explore everything from the literal translation to the cultural context in which it appears, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.

短期 [たんき] is formed by two kanji: 短 (short) and 期 (period), and its main meaning is "short term." However, like many words in Japanese, it carries nuances that go beyond direct translation. Here, you will discover how Japanese people use it in their daily lives, in which situations it is more common, and even how to differentiate it from similar terms.

Meaning and usage of 短期 [たんき]

The term 短期[たんき] is used to refer to short periods of time, usually in contrast to 長期[ちょうき], which means "long term". It appears in various contexts, such as in employment contracts (短期アルバイト - temporary work), courses (短期集中コース - intensive course), or even in investments (短期投資 - short-term investment).

An interesting characteristic is that although 短期[たんき] can be used alone, it often appears in combination with other words to specify the type of activity or commitment. For example, 短期留学[たんきりゅうがく] means "short-term exchange," while 短期記憶[たんききおく] refers to "short-term memory" in the field of psychology.

Origin and components of 短期[たんき]

The formation of 短期[たんき] follows the common logic of word composition in Japanese, where kanjis with specific meanings come together to create a new concept. The kanji 短 means "short" and appears in other words like 短所[たんしょ] (weak point) or 短縮[たんしゅく] (shortening). Meanwhile, 期 indicates "period" or "deadline," present in terms such as 期間[きかん] (time interval) and 期限[きげん] (deadline).

It is worth noting that, although the combination of these kanji is transparent in its meaning, this logic does not always apply in Japanese. In the case of 短期[たんき], however, the relationship between the components and the final meaning of the word is quite direct, which facilitates understanding and memorization for language learners.

Tips for memorizing and using 短期[たんき]

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 短期[たんき] is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of something that has a limited duration, such as a summer course or a temporary project at work. This connection with real examples helps to internalize not just the translation but also the context in which the word is used.

Another strategy is to practice with simple sentences that contain 短期[たんき]. For example: 短期の目標を立てる (set short-term goals) or 短期間で日本語を勉強する (study Japanese in a short period). This type of exercise reinforces the correct application of the term in Japanese grammatical structures.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 短時間 (Tanjikan) - Short period of time, usually used to describe a limited number of hours or minutes.
• 短期間 (Tanki-kan) - Short period, used in contexts that refer to a limited duration, may include days or weeks.
• 短い期間 (Mijikai kikan) - A short period, emphasizing the adjective "mijikai" (short), similar to "tanki-kan" but with greater emphasis on brevity.
• 短い時間 (Mijikai jikan) - A short time, focusing on the duration in hours or minutes, similar to "tanjikan" but with a more colloquial use.

短期

Romaji: tanki
Kana: たんき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: short term

Meaning in English: short term

Definition: período curto.

Example Sentences - (短期) tanki

See below some example sentences:

短期間で学ぶことができる

Tanki kan de manabu koto ga dekiru

You can learn in a short period of time

• 短期間 - Short period
• で - particle that indicates the means or the manner
• 学ぶ - learn
• こと - noun that indicates an action or event
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• できる - Be able to