Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Opportunity" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "opportunity", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
機会
きかい (kikai)
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 機会 and 契機.
In Japanese, 機会 (きかい (kikai)) is typically associated with "opportunity; chance" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a good opportunity or chance. Often used with 機会がある.
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 "機会"
日本の方と話す機会を増やして、日本語を練習したいです。
I want to increase opportunities to talk with Japanese people and practice Japanese.
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: "日本の方と話す ＿＿＿ を増やして、日本語を練習したいです。" (Meaning: "I want to increase opportunities to talk with Japanese people and practice Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "機会" fits here because it means "opportunity; chance" in the context of: "I want to increase opportunities to talk with Japanese people and practice Japanese.". "契機" represents "opportunity, turning point, momentum, chance".