過程

• Reading: かてい
• Romaji: katei
• Kanji breakdown: 過 (ka) — pass, exceed, overdo; 程 (tei/hodo) — extent, degree, journey
• Pronunciation: /ka.teː/

Meaning

Process; course; mechanism. The series of steps or stages through which something develops.

A noun describing the progression or sequence of events leading to a result. Different from 課程 (katei, curriculum) which has the same pronunciation. Often used in academic and formal contexts. Common in phrases like 成長の過程 (process of growth) and 製造過程 (manufacturing process).

Examples

1. 結果よりも過程が大切だと思います。 I think the process matters more than the result.
2. この商品の製造過程を見学しました。 I went on a tour of this product's manufacturing process.
3. 子供の成長の過程を写真で記録しています。 I'm recording my child's growth process in photos.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, manufacturing, personal growth

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 過 (pass/exceed) and 程 (extent/degree/journey). Together they describe the journey or passage through stages — the process of development.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal