Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Irregular" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "irregular", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
不順
ふじゅん (fujun)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
不定期
ふていき (futeiki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "irregular" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 不順 and 不定期.
In Japanese, 不順 (ふじゅん (fujun)) is typically associated with "irregular; unseasonable; abnormal; inclement" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe things that are not regular, normal, or in proper order, especially for weather.
On the other hand, 不定期 (ふていき (futeiki)) maps to "irregular, unscheduled, intermittent" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe events or occurrences that do not happen at fixed or regular intervals. Often seen in '不定期開催'. A literal translation of "irregular" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "不順"
最近、天候不順で農作物の生育が心配だ。
Recently, due to unseasonable weather, I'm worried about crop growth.
Bilingual Context for "不定期"
この雑誌は不定期で発行されます。
This magazine is published irregularly.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "最近、天候 ＿＿＿ で農作物の生育が心配だ。" (Meaning: "Recently, due to unseasonable weather, I'm worried about crop growth.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "不順" fits here because it means "irregular; unseasonable; abnormal; inclement" in the context of: "Recently, due to unseasonable weather, I'm worried about crop growth.". "不定期" represents "irregular, unscheduled, intermittent".