Translation guide
A time when you are very busy, often due to work, school, or seasonal demands. Japanese has several natural expressions depending on whether you mean a busy season, a peak period, or a personal crunch time.
It's a busy period at work.
I'm going through a busy period.
Referring to a time of year or a stretch of days/weeks when business, work, or activity is high.
The standard term for a busy period in business or work contexts. Often used for seasonal rushes.
The end of the year is a busy period for the retail industry.
A straightforward, everyday phrase meaning 'busy time/period'. Suitable for personal and work situations.
Similar to 繁忙期 but slightly more formal or literary. Often used in written reports or news.
Specifically refers to a peak business period when sales are high, like a 'golden time' for merchants. Not used for personal busyness.
Describing a short-term, intense busy stretch in one's personal schedule, like exams or deadlines.
Specifically for a busy period during the day, like rush hour or lunchtime rush.
繁忙期 is more formal and business-like, often used for companies or industries. 忙しい時期 is more personal and can be used in any context. For talking about your own life, 忙しい時期 is safer and more natural.
It's tough because it's a busy period (at work).
It's tough because it's a busy period (in my life).
While 忙しい期間 (いそがしいきかん) is grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural. Use 忙しい時期 instead for a natural expression.
It's a busy period right now, so I'm working overtime every day.
The busy period for this project will continue until next month.
The Obon holiday is a busy period for tourist spots.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'being rushed off one's feet' or 'in a mad rush'. Vivid and colloquial.
I'm in a mad rush during the year-end period.
Literally 'even want to borrow a cat's paw', meaning so busy you'd accept help from anyone. Used for peak busy moments.
This week is so busy I could use all the help I can get.
ピーク時を避けて来店してください。
Please visit outside of the busy period (peak hours).