Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'good opportunity' depends on whether you mean a chance to do something, a favorable moment, or a timely occasion. Common words include チャンス and 機会, but natural phrasing often uses set expressions like いい機会 or 絶好のチャンス.
Expressing that a situation provides a good chance to take action or try something.
The most common and neutral way to say 'good opportunity'. 機会 means 'opportunity' or 'chance', and いい means 'good'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
これは日本語を練習するいい機会です。
This is a good opportunity to practice Japanese.
彼に会えるいい機会だ。
It's a good opportunity to meet him.
A loanword from English 'chance', often implying a lucky or timely opportunity. Very common in casual and spoken Japanese. Can be used with いい (good) or 絶好の (perfect).
今がチャンスだ！
Now's your chance!
これは絶好のチャンスです。
This is a perfect opportunity.
A slightly more formal or written version of いい機会. 良い is the formal form of いい.
海外で働く良い機会を得た。
I got a good opportunity to work abroad.
Means 'perfect opportunity' or 'golden opportunity'. Emphasizes that the opportunity is exceptionally good. More emphatic than いい機会.
これは絶好の機会だ。
This is a golden opportunity.
Highlighting that the timing is right or the situation is convenient.
Literally 'good timing'. Used when the timing of an event or action is favorable. Very natural in conversation.
今、話しかけるのはいいタイミングだ。
Now is a good time to talk to him.
彼が来たのはいいタイミングだった。
It was good timing that he came.
Means 'just right' or 'perfect timing'. Often used when something happens at exactly the right moment. Can also refer to size or quantity, but in context it implies a good opportunity.
バスがちょうどいいところに来た。
The bus came at just the right time.
A somewhat literary expression meaning 'the occasion is favorable'. 折 means 'occasion' or 'time'. Used in formal or written contexts.
折が良ければ、お訪ねください。
If the occasion is favorable, please visit.
Expressing the idea of seizing or making use of a good opportunity.
Means 'on this occasion' or 'taking this opportunity'. Used to introduce an action that one will take because of the favorable situation. Often used in formal speech or writing.
この機会に、皆様に感謝申し上げます。
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone.
この機会に新しいことを始めよう。
Let's start something new taking this opportunity.
Emphasizes that the opportunity is rare or valuable, and should not be wasted. せっかく means 'with effort' or 'precious'. Often used with だから or なので to mean 'since it's a rare opportunity'.
せっかくの機会だから、行ってみよう。
Since it's a rare opportunity, let's go.
Means 'to make the most of a chance' or 'to seize an opportunity'. 活かす means 'to utilize' or 'to make the best use of'.
このチャンスを活かして成功したい。
I want to make the most of this chance and succeed.
機会 (きかい) is a native Japanese word meaning 'opportunity' and is neutral in tone. チャンス is a loanword from English and often carries a nuance of a lucky break or a timely moment. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but チャンス feels more casual and exciting.
面接の機会を得た。
I got an opportunity for an interview. (neutral)
これが最後のチャンスだ。
This is the last chance. (dramatic)
While '良い機会' is grammatically correct, it can sound stiff or overly formal in casual speech. In everyday conversation, 'いい機会' or simply 'チャンス' is more natural. Also, avoid directly translating 'good' as '良い' in all cases; 'いい' is the common spoken form.
これは日本語を学ぶいい機会です。
This is a good opportunity to learn Japanese.
やっといい機会が来た。
I finally got a good opportunity.