Meaning
The kanji 期 (き, ご) primarily conveys ideas of time periods, terms, and expectations. Think of it as representing a specific, designated span of time—like a season, a semester, a deadline, or even an event you're looking forward to. It helps express fixed or recurring intervals, making it key for many time-related concepts in Japanese.
This kanji is a phono-semantic compound. The right side, 月 (つき), meaning 'moon' or 'month,' acts as the semantic component. This strongly links 期 to the passage of time and natural cycles, similar to how lunar phases mark time. The left side, 其 (き), originally depicted a winnowing basket. Here, it functions mainly as the phonetic component, giving 期 its common 'ki' reading. While primarily phonetic, its demonstrative nature ('that,' 'its') can subtly hint at a specific or demarcated period. Together, 月 and 其 combine to suggest a 'fixed time' or a 'period that is awaited,' which aligns perfectly with its modern meanings. This blend of visual and phonetic elements helps solidify the concept of a structured, defined period within the kanji itself.
期 has 12 strokes and is taught in the 6th grade of Japanese elementary school. This shows its importance and how early learners encounter it. Mastering 期 is essential for understanding a wide range of time-related expressions in Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi readings come from Chinese pronunciations and are most often used when 期 is part of a compound word.
- キ (ki)
This is the most common On'yomi reading for 期. You'll find it in many everyday words related to periods, terms, and expectations. Recognizing this reading is crucial for understanding a vast array of Japanese expressions.
期間 (kikan) — period, term, duration (e.g., examination period)
期待 (kitai) — expectation, anticipation, hope (e.g., high expectations)
学期 (gakki) — school semester, term (e.g., new semester)
ゴ (go)
The ゴ reading is much rarer than キ, appearing in specific, often more literary or traditional compound words. While beginners won't encounter it often, knowing it exists is beneficial as you advance.
- 最期 (saigo) — one's last moments, deathbed
- 一期一会 (ichigo ichie) — once-in-a-lifetime encounter (a common proverb)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations. For the kanji 期, a common standalone Kun'yomi reading is quite rare today. Although 'とき' (toki) is sometimes listed, it's almost always written with the kanji 時. Another historical reading, 'ちぎる' (chigiru), meaning 'to pledge or promise,' is now mainly written with 契. For practical purposes, especially as a beginner, it's far more useful to focus on the On'yomi readings and the compound words they form.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 期 appears in many vital compound words, primarily expressing concepts of time, stages, and anticipation.
Time Periods & Terms:
期間 (kikan) — period, term, duration (e.g., the 試験期間, "examination period")
時期 (jiki) — time, season, period (e.g., 一番良い時期, "the best time for something")
学期 (gakki) — school semester, term (e.g., 新学期, "new semester")
定期 (teiki) — fixed term, regular (e.g., 定期券, "commuter pass")
半期 (hanki) — half-year, semester (e.g., 会計半期, "first half of the fiscal year")
期限 (kigen) — deadline, time limit, expiration date (e.g., 食品の期限, "food's expiration date")
Stages & Phases:
初期 (shoki) — early stage, initial period (e.g., 開発初期, "initial stage of development")
末期 (makki) — final stage, last phase (e.g., 末期癌, "terminal cancer")
周期 (shūki) — cycle, period (e.g., 生理周期, "menstrual cycle," or 年間周期, "annual cycle")
満期 (manki) — maturity, expiration (e.g., ローン満期, "loan maturity")
Expectation & Hope:
期待 (kitai) — expectation, anticipation, hope (e.g., 高い期待, "high expectations")
予期 (yoki) — expectation, forecast, prediction (e.g., 予期せぬ出来事, "unexpected event")
Example Sentences
次の試験の期間はいつですか。
Tsugi no shiken no kikan wa itsu desu ka.
When is the next examination period?
彼の成功を期待しています。
Kare no seikō o kitai shite imasu.
I am looking forward to his success (I expect his success).
私たちは来学期に新しい先生を迎えます。
Watashitachi wa raigakki ni atarashii sensei o mukaemasu.
We will welcome a new teacher next semester.
契約の期間は三年です。
Keiyaku no kikan wa san-nen desu.
The contract period is three years.
食品の期限が切れています。
Shokuhin no kigen ga kirete imasu.
The food's expiration date has passed.
私たちは彼の回復を心から期待しています。
Watashitachi wa kare no kaifuku o kokoro kara kitai shite imasu.
We sincerely hope for his recovery.
人生は一期一会の連続だ。
Jinsei wa ichigo ichie no renzoku da.
Life is a series of once-in-a-lifetime encounters.
私は春の訪れを予期している。
Watashi wa haru no otozure o yoki shite iru.
I am anticipating the arrival of spring.
来月で家賃の契約が満期になります。
Raigetsu de yachin no keiyaku ga manki ni narimasu.
The rental contract will expire next month.
Memory Tip
To remember 期, focus on its two main parts: 月 (moon/month) on the right and 其 (phonetic component, 'ki') on the left. Think of the 月 (moon) representing cycles of time. Now, picture a calendar with a moon highlighting a specific, fixed period or term, perhaps one you are expecting something to happen during. The moon completes its cycle, marking a 'period.' So, you can remember 期 as the kanji where the 月 (moon) marks a specific 'period' or 'expectation.' For an extra tip, the 12 strokes of 期 can remind you of the 12 months in a year, representing a full period.