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'.
この期間中は休業します。
We will be closed during this period.
試用期間は3ヶ月です。
The probationary period is three months.
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...'
今はちょうどいい時期だ。
Now is just the right period.
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.
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.
ダメなものはダメ。以上。
No means no. Period.
もう話は終わりだ。
The discussion is over. 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'.
夏休みの期間は旅行に行く。
During the summer vacation period, I'll go on a trip.
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.
That period was very busy.
Sorry to have kept you waiting for a long period.
夏の間、海で働いていました。
During the summer period, I worked at the beach.
江戸時代は1603年から1868年まで続いた。
The Edo period lasted from 1603 to 1868.
この建物は明治時代に建てられた。
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.
奈良期の仏像は貴重だ。
Buddhist statues from the Nara period are precious.
The direct loanword for the English period/full stop. Used when talking about English punctuation.
文の終わりにはピリオドを打ってください。
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.
日本語の句点は「。」です。
The Japanese period is '。'.
生理が始まった。
My period started.
生理痛がひどいです。
I have bad period pain.
A euphemistic, somewhat old-fashioned or delicate way to say 'period'. Literally 'monthly thing'.
月のものが来た。
My period came.
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.
行かない。それで決まり。
I'm not going. Period.