Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "変更" vs "期間"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
変更
へんこう (henkō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
期間
きかん (kikan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 変更 and 期間 are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
変更 (へんこう (henkō)) represents "change; alteration; modification" (Level: N3) and typically represents Refers to changing, altering, or modifying plans, schedules, rules, or settings. Can be used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 期間 (きかん (kikan)) translates to "period; term; duration; span of time" (Level: N3) and is used for Refers to a period, term, duration, or specific span of time. Often used as キャンペーン期間 or 研修期間. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Period! "The term of my love for Haruka-san is for all eternity!" ...っ, T-To say such an advanced romantic oath! B-But... I permit that eternal term, so don't you dare slack off!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『きかん（期間）！『ハルカさんへの愛の有効期間は、未来永劫、宇宙の終わりまでです！』って…っ, そんな壮大な有効期間を誓うなんて！でも特別に許可するわ！一生愛し続けなさい！』. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "変更"
フライトの時間を、夕方の便へ変更しました。
I changed my flight time to an evening flight.
Bilingual Sentence for "期間"
この特別キャンペーンの_______は、来月の第一日曜日までとなっておりますので、お早めにご利用ください。
The period of this special campaign is until the first Sunday of next month, so please use it early.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "フライトの時間を、夕方の便へ ＿＿＿ しました。" (Meaning: "I changed my flight time to an evening flight.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "変更" fits here because it represents "change; alteration; modification" in the context: "I changed my flight time to an evening flight.".