暫定的

• Reading: ざんていてき
• Romaji: zanteiteki
• Kanji breakdown: 暫 (zan) — briefly, for now; 定 (tei) — fix, decide; 的 (teki) — -like
• Pronunciation: /zaɴ.teː.te.ki/

Meaning

Provisional; temporary; tentative; interim. Describes arrangements made until a final decision.

A na-adjective ending in 的 formed from 暫定 (zantei, provisional). Used for rules, measures, or decisions that serve as placeholders: 暫定的な措置 (a provisional measure), 暫定的な合意 (a tentative agreement). More formal and specific than 一時的, implying a final version is expected.

Examples

1. 暫定的なスケジュールが発表された。 A provisional schedule was announced.
2. この規則は暫定的なもので来月見直す予定だ。 This rule is provisional and is scheduled to be reviewed next month.
3. 暫定的に部長が代理を務めることになった。 The department head will provisionally serve as a substitute.

Usage Guide

Context: business, government, legal

Tone: official

Origin & History

Compound of 暫定 (zantei — from 暫 'briefly/for now' + 定 'fix/decide') and 的 (teki, -like). Together, 'having the quality of being temporarily fixed' — decided for now, pending revision.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal