Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Interval" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "interval", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
間隔
かんかく (kankaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
合間
あいま (aima)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "interval" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 間隔 and 合間.
In Japanese, 間隔 (かんかく (kankaku)) is typically associated with "interval, space, gap" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the space or time between two points or events. 物と物の間の距離や、時間的な隔たりを指します。.
On the other hand, 合間 (あいま (aima)) maps to "interval, a break, spare moment" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A short period of time between activities or during a busy schedule when one can do something else. Often used with 「に」. A literal translation of "interval" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "間隔"
電車は5分間隔で運行しています。
Trains run at 5-minute intervals.
Bilingual Context for "合間"
仕事の合間にコーヒーを飲んで一息ついた。
I took a break to drink coffee in between work.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "電車は5分 ___ で運行しています。" (Meaning: "Trains run at 5-minute intervals.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "間隔" fits here because it means "interval, space, gap" in the context of: "Trains run at 5-minute intervals.". "合間" represents "interval, a break, spare moment".