Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Chance" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "chance", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
機会
きかい (kikai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
チャンス
チャンス (chansu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "chance" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 機会 and チャンス.
In Japanese, 機会 (きかい (kikai)) is typically associated with "chance, opportunity" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to a favorable moment or an opportunity. Often used with 動詞の辞書形＋機会がある/ない.
On the other hand, チャンス (チャンス (chansu)) maps to "chance, opportunity" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A loanword from English "chance." Widely used in Japanese to mean "opportunity" or "a good chance." It often implies a positive situation or a favorable moment for something.. A literal translation of "chance" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "機会"
もう一度日本へ行く機会があったら、行きたいです。
If I have another chance to go to Japan, I want to go.
Bilingual Context for "チャンス"
今が成功する一番のチャンスだ。
Now is the best chance to succeed.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "もう一度日本へ行く ＿＿＿ があったら、行きたいです。" (Meaning: "If I have another chance to go to Japan, I want to go.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "機会" fits here because it means "chance, opportunity" in the context of: "If I have another chance to go to Japan, I want to go.". "チャンス" represents "chance, opportunity".