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
日程
にってい (nittei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "schedule" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 予定 and 日程.
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, 日程 (にってい (nittei)) maps to "schedule, itinerary, program (of a day)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A plan or schedule of events, tasks, or appointments for a specific period, usually a day or a trip. Focuses on the sequence and timing of events.. 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 "日程"
今日の会議の日程を確認してください。
Please confirm today's meeting 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.". "日程" represents "schedule, itinerary, program (of a day)".