Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Postpone" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "postpone", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
延ばす
のばす (nobasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
延期する
えんきする (enki suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "postpone" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 延ばす and 延期する.
In Japanese, 延ばす (のばす (nobasu)) is typically associated with "to postpone, to extend, to stretch" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for deadlines, meetings.
On the other hand, 延期する (えんきする (enki suru)) maps to "to postpone, to delay" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when an event, meeting, or plan is moved to a later date. Often seen in passive form. A literal translation of "postpone" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "延ばす"
会議の時間を30分延ばす。
To extend the meeting time by 30 minutes.
Bilingual Context for "延期する"
悪天候のため、試合は来週に延期された。
Due to bad weather, the game was postponed until next week.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議の時間を30分 ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "To extend the meeting time by 30 minutes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "延ばす" fits here because it means "to postpone, to extend, to stretch" in the context of: "To extend the meeting time by 30 minutes.". "延期する" represents "to postpone, to delay".