Translation guide
The English word 'period' covers several distinct concepts: a length of time, a historical era, a punctuation mark, and menstrual cycle. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To refer to a span of time, such as a few days, years, or an unspecified duration.
The most common and neutral word for a defined period of time. Used for durations like 'for a period of three months' or 'during that period'.
We will be closed during this period.
Refers to a period of time in a more general sense, often associated with a season, phase, or appropriate timing. 'At that period' or 'a period when...'
Means 'during' or 'for the duration of'. Often used in phrases like 'for a long period' or 'during the period when...'
To talk about a distinct period in history, such as the Edo period or the Renaissance.
The standard word for a historical period or era. Used for named periods like 'Edo period' (江戸時代) or general phrases like 'modern period'.
To refer to the dot at the end of a sentence in English writing.
The direct loanword for the English period/full stop. Used when talking about English punctuation.
To refer to menstruation.
The standard, neutral term for menstruation. Can be used in most situations.
To use 'period' as an interjection meaning 'end of discussion' or 'no further argument'.
There is no direct equivalent of the emphatic 'Period!' in Japanese. Instead, you can use 以上 (いじょう) meaning 'that's all' or 終わり (おわり) meaning 'the end' to close a statement firmly.
No means no. Period.
期間 (きかん) is for a defined length of time, often with a start and end. 時期 (じき) is for a more vague or seasonal time. 時代 (じだい) is for historical eras. Don't use 時代 for a short personal period like 'a period of three days'.
During the summer vacation period, I'll go on a trip.
The probationary period is three months.
Now is just the right period.
That period was very busy.
Sorry to have kept you waiting for a long period.
During the summer period, I worked at the beach.
The Edo period lasted from 1603 to 1868.
This building was constructed in the Meiji period.
Often used as a suffix for named periods, especially in formal or academic contexts, like 'the Nara period' (奈良期). Less common in everyday speech than 時代.
Buddhist statues from the Nara period are precious.
Please put a period at the end of the sentence.
The Japanese term for the full stop used in Japanese writing (。). It is technically different from the English period but can be used to explain the concept.
The Japanese period is '。'.
My period started.
I have bad period pain.
A euphemistic, somewhat old-fashioned or delicate way to say 'period'. Literally 'monthly thing'.
My period came.
The discussion is over. Period.
Phrases like それで決まり (that's final) or それだけ (that's all) can convey a similar sense of finality.
I'm not going. Period.
今は花粉の時期だ。
Now is the period for pollen.
The loanword ピリオド only means the punctuation mark. Using it for menstruation will cause confusion or sound strange. Always use 生理 for that meaning.