Translation and Meaning of: 日程 - nittei

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 日程[にってい]. It is quite common in everyday life and appears in contexts ranging from personal agendas to corporate planning. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical usage, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

日程 is one of those words that, while simple, carries interesting nuances in the way Japanese people organize their time. Whether it's to schedule a meeting or manage projects, understanding its correct use can make a difference in your learning. Let's unravel everything from the composition of the kanji to real-use examples.

The meaning and origin of 日程

The word 日程 is composed of two kanji: 日 (day) and 程 (extent, degree). Together, they form the concept of "schedule" or "agenda," referring to the distribution of activities over a period. Unlike 予定 (planning), which is more open-ended, 日程 has a more structured, almost technical tone.

Its origin is not as ancient as other Japanese words, emerging with the need to organize tasks in the modern era. The kanji 程, for example, carries the idea of measure or limit, which reinforces the notion of a limited time. It is no wonder that 日程 appears frequently in professional or academic contexts, where deadlines are essential.

How and when to use 日程 in daily life

In Japan, 日程 is used to talk about scheduled times, such as meetings or events. If someone asks "明日の日程は？" (What is tomorrow's schedule?), they are seeking details about fixed appointments, not just vague plans. This precision is typical of Japanese culture, which values punctuality and organization.

A common mistake among students is to confuse it with 予定. While 予定 can refer to an unconfirmed outing, 日程 implies set times. For example, using 日程 for a casual meeting would sound strange, as if you were treating a coffee with friends like a business meeting. The context dictates which word to choose.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 日程 is to associate its kanji with mental images. Visualize 日 as a calendar and 程 as a ruler measuring days. This technique, called mnemonics, is supported by studies such as those by researcher James Heisig, known for his methods for learning kanji.

Interestingly, 日程 is used more by adults than by young people in Japan. Research from the National Institute for Japanese Language shows that it frequently appears in corporate emails, but rarely in informal conversations. If your focus is on colloquial Japanese, you might find 予定 more regularly in everyday life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 予定 (Yotei) - Plan or agenda previously established.
• スケジュール (Sukejuuru) - A more visual timeline or calendar.
• タイムテーブル (Taimuteeburu) - Schedule table, usually used for transport or specific events.

日程

Romaji: nittei
Kana: にってい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: schedule

Meaning in English: agenda

Definition: To indicate a commitment or planned date or time.

Example Sentences - (日程) nittei

See below some example sentences:

日程を確認してください。

Nittei wo kakunin shite kudasai

Please check the agenda.

Please check the schedule.

• 日程 - means "agenda" or "calendar" in Japanese.
• を - direct object particle in Japanese.
• 確認 - means "check" or "confirm" in Japanese.
• して - conjugated form of the verb "suru" which means "to do" in Japanese.
• ください - imperative form of the verb "kudasai" which means "please" in Japanese.