Translation guide
The English word "interim" refers to a temporary period or arrangement between two states. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, focusing on common words for temporary, provisional, or transitional situations.
Describing something that is in place for a limited time until a permanent solution is found.
Most direct equivalent for 'interim' when referring to provisional measures, plans, or agreements. Commonly used in news and formal contexts.
They reached an interim agreement.
An interim budget was drawn up.
Means 'temporary' and is widely used in both spoken and written Japanese. Suitable for many contexts where 'interim' implies a short-term arrangement.
We will implement it as an interim measure.
It's only an interim solution.
Prefix meaning 'provisional' or 'tentative'. Often used in compounds like 仮契約 (provisional contract) or 仮設 (temporary setup).
We set up an interim office.
Means 'for the time being' or 'immediate'. Used in phrases like 当座の措置 (interim measure). Somewhat formal.
We will raise interim funds.
Referring to the time between two events or states.
Literally 'during that time'. A natural way to say 'in the interim' in conversation.
In the interim, we'll handle it another way.
Means 'for the time being' or 'for the immediate future'. Common in announcements.
Literally 'as a stopgap'. Used when something is a temporary fix or placeholder.
We hired a part-timer as an interim measure.
Describing a person temporarily filling a role.
Suffix meaning 'acting' or 'deputy'. Attach to a title to indicate an interim role. E.g., 社長代行 (acting president).
He is serving as interim CEO.
Prefix 'provisional' used with titles. E.g., 暫定政権 (interim government).
An interim government was formed.
Means 'temporary' or 'extraordinary'. Used for interim appointments. E.g., 臨時の委員長 (interim chairperson).
We decided on an interim leader.
暫定 (zantei) is the closest to 'interim' in formal contexts, especially for agreements, governments, or plans. 一時的 (ichijiteki) is more general 'temporary' and can be used for any short-term situation. 仮 (kari) is often used as a prefix for provisional things like 仮契約 (provisional contract) and implies something tentative that will be replaced.
The English word 'interim' does not have a single exact Japanese equivalent. Translating it as インタリム is not natural. Choose the appropriate word based on context.
For the interim, business hours will be shortened.