過渡期

• Reading: かとき
• Romaji: katoki
• Kanji breakdown: 過 (ka/su) — pass; 渡 (to/wata) — cross, transit; 期 (ki) — period
• Pronunciation: /ka.to.ki/

Meaning

Transitional period; an era of change between two distinct states or systems.

A noun used in history, politics, and social analysis to describe periods of institutional, technological, or cultural transition. The '渡' (crossing) in the compound emphasises movement between states. Often implies instability or uncertainty inherent to such periods.

Examples

1. 現在はデジタル社会への過渡期であり、混乱が生じやすい。 We are currently in a transitional period towards a digital society, and disruption is prone to occur.
2. 政治体制の過渡期には様々な問題が噴出しやすい。 During a transitional period of political systems, various problems tend to surface.
3. 過渡期の政策は往々にして不完全なものにならざるを得ない。 Policies in a transitional period are often inevitably imperfect.

Usage Guide

Context: history, politics, social science

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 過 (pass through, exceed) + 渡 (cross, transit) + 期 (period, phase). Together they describe a time spent crossing from one era to another.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated