期間

• Reading: きかん
• Romaji: kikan
• Kanji breakdown: 期 (ki/go) — period, term; 間 (kan/ma/aida) — interval, space
• Pronunciation: /ki.kaɴ/

Meaning

Period; term; interval. A defined span of time with a beginning and end.

A noun used for clearly bounded time spans, often in official, business, or administrative contexts. Common compounds: 期間中 (kikan-chuu, during the period), 期間限定 (kikan gentei, limited-time), 有効期間 (yuukou kikan, validity period). More formal and precise than 間 (aida) or 時間 (jikan).

Examples

1. 試験期間中はアルバイトを休んだ。 I took a break from my part-time job during the exam period.
2. このキャンペーンの期間は一か月です。 This campaign lasts for one month.
3. 留学の期間を延ばしたいと思っている。 I'm thinking about extending my study-abroad period.

Usage Guide

Context: business, academic, official documents

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 期 (ki, period/term) and 間 (kan, interval/space). Both kanji relate to time boundaries, creating a word that emphasises a defined stretch of time.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal