Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Opportunity" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "opportunity", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
きっかけ
きっかけ (kikkake)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
契機
けいき (keiki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "opportunity" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between きっかけ and 契機.
In Japanese, きっかけ (きっかけ (kikkake)) is typically associated with "opportunity, start, trigger, motive, impulse" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents The event or reason that starts something or provides an opportunity for something to happen. Often refers to the initial spark or catalyst for a new situation or action..
On the other hand, 契機 (けいき (keiki)) maps to "opportunity, turning point, momentum, chance" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to an event or situation that serves as a trigger or starting point for something new or a significant change or development. Often implies a positive or important turning point.. A literal translation of "opportunity" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "きっかけ"
この本を読んだのが、日本文学に興味を持ったきっかけです。
Reading this book was the trigger for me to become interested in Japanese literature.
Bilingual Context for "契機"
この失敗を契機に、彼は大きく成長した。
Taking this failure as an opportunity, he grew significantly.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この本を読んだのが、日本文学に興味を持った ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "Reading this book was the trigger for me to become interested in Japanese literature.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "きっかけ" fits here because it means "opportunity, start, trigger, motive, impulse" in the context of: "Reading this book was the trigger for me to become interested in Japanese literature.". "契機" represents "opportunity, turning point, momentum, chance".