Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Postponement" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "postponement", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
延期
えんき (enki)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
猶予
ゆうよ (yūyo)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "postponement" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 延期 and 猶予.
In Japanese, 延期 (えんき (enki)) is typically associated with "postponement; deferral" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to postponing or deferring an event, meeting, or plan to a later date. Can be used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 猶予 (ゆうよ (yūyo)) maps to "postponement; grace period; delay; hesitation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a grace period, postponement, or delay in executing an obligation or decision. Often used as 執行猶予. A literal translation of "postponement" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "延期"
大雨のため、予定されていた運動会は来週に延期されました。
Due to heavy rain, the scheduled sports day was postponed to next week.
Bilingual Context for "猶予"
支払いの期限について、あと一週間の_______をいただくことはできませんでしょうか。
Regarding the payment deadline, would it be possible to obtain a grace period of one more week?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "大雨のため、予定されていた運動会は来週に ＿＿＿ されました。" (Meaning: "Due to heavy rain, the scheduled sports day was postponed to next week.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "延期" fits here because it means "postponement; deferral" in the context of: "Due to heavy rain, the scheduled sports day was postponed to next week.". "猶予" represents "postponement; grace period; delay; hesitation".