Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Temporary" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "temporary", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一時的
いちじてき (ichijiteki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
姑息
こそく (kosoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "temporary" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一時的 and 姑息.
In Japanese, 一時的 (いちじてき (ichijiteki)) is typically associated with "temporary; provisional" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something that lasts only for a limited period, not permanently. Often implies that a change or state will eventually revert or be replaced..
On the other hand, 姑息 (こそく (kosoku)) maps to "temporary, makeshift, expedient (often with a negative connotation of short-sightedness or dishonesty)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies a short-sighted, temporary solution that avoids fundamental issues, often used negatively to describe dishonest, cowardly, or opportunistic behavior. It lacks a long-term perspective.. A literal translation of "temporary" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一時的"
これは一時的な解決策に過ぎず、根本的な問題は残っている。
This is merely a temporary solution, and the fundamental problem remains.
Bilingual Context for "姑息"
姑息な手段でその場をしのいでも、根本的な問題は解決しない。
Even if you get by with temporary measures, the fundamental problems won't be solved.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これは ___ な解決策に過ぎず、根本的な問題は残っている。" (Meaning: "This is merely a temporary solution, and the fundamental problem remains.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一時的" fits here because it means "temporary; provisional" in the context of: "This is merely a temporary solution, and the fundamental problem remains.". "姑息" represents "temporary, makeshift, expedient (often with a negative connotation of short-sightedness or dishonesty)".