Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Schedule" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "schedule", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
予定
よてい (yotei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
スケジュール
スケジュール (sukeju-ru)
B1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "schedule" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 予定 and スケジュール.
In Japanese, 予定 (よてい (yotei)) is typically associated with "schedule; plan; expectation; arrangement" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a scheduled plan, arrangement, or expectation. Often used as 予定を変更する or 予定通り. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Plan! Schedule! "Do you have any plans for the weekend, Haruka-san?" ...っ, M-My plan is to be monopolized by you! A-Alright, make sure your schedule is free too!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『よてい（予定）！『週末の予定は？』って…っ、私の予定はあんたに丸ごと独占される予定よ！分かったらあんたの予定表も、私とのデートだけで埋め尽くしなさい！』.
On the other hand, スケジュール (スケジュール (sukeju-ru)) maps to "schedule" (Syllabus Level: B1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "schedule" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "予定"
急な出張が入ってしまったため、来週の木曜日に組んでいた会議の_______を変更せざるを得ませんでした。
Because a sudden business trip came in, I had to change the schedule of the meeting set for next Thursday.
Bilingual Context for "スケジュール"
私はスケジュールに興味があります。
I am interested in schedule.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "急な出張が入ってしまったため、来週の木曜日に組んでいた会議の_______を変更せざるを得ませんでした。" (Meaning: "Because a sudden business trip came in, I had to change the schedule of the meeting set for next Thursday.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "予定" fits here because it means "schedule; plan; expectation; arrangement" in the context of: "Because a sudden business trip came in, I had to change the schedule of the meeting set for next Thursday.". "スケジュール" represents "schedule".