Translation guide
The English word "term" covers many distinct concepts. This guide breaks them down into practical meanings for learners, from time periods to vocabulary to conditions.
A fixed or limited period of time, such as a school semester, a political office, or a contract duration.
General word for a period or duration. Works for most time-related meanings of "term".
契約期間は2年間です。
The contract term is two years.
試用期間が終わった。
The probationary term ended.
Specifically for academic terms (semesters, trimesters).
今学期は難しい授業が多い。
This term I have many difficult classes.
Term of office for an elected or appointed position.
大統領の任期は4年だ。
The president's term is four years.
Prison term or sentence.
彼は刑期を終えて出所した。
He was released after serving his term.
A specific word or phrase, especially technical or specialized vocabulary.
Standard word for "term" in the sense of terminology.
この用語の意味がわからない。
I don't understand the meaning of this term.
専門用語は難しい。
Technical terms are difficult.
More general word for "word" or "language". Can be used for "term" in casual contexts.
Specifically a single vocabulary word, not a phrase.
A condition or requirement in an agreement, contract, or negotiation.
The most common translation for "terms" as in conditions.
契約の条件を確認してください。
Please check the terms of the contract.
彼はその条件を受け入れた。
He accepted the terms.
Refers to specific clauses or articles in a legal document.
Terms of service/use, especially for websites or apps.
利用規約に同意する。
I agree to the terms of service.
The nature of a relationship between people, often used in phrases like "on good terms" or "speaking terms".
Used to describe the state of a relationship. Often combined with adjectives.
私たちは仲がいい。
We are on good terms.
彼とはあまり仲が良くない。
I'm not on very good terms with him.
More formal word for relationship. Can be used in "on good terms" but sounds stiffer.
Referring to a long or short period of time in the future.
Adverb meaning "in the long term".
長期的に見れば、これは良い投資だ。
In the long term, this is a good investment.
Adverb meaning "in the short term".
短期的には問題があるかもしれない。
There may be problems in the short term.
To accept a difficult situation.
General verb for accepting something, often used for coming to terms with a fact.
彼は現実を受け入れた。
He came to terms with reality.
To compromise or reach an agreement, often with oneself or a situation.
その結果に折り合いをつけるしかない。
I have to come to terms with the result.
English uses "term" in many fixed phrases. Direct translation often fails. For example, "in terms of" is usually 〜の点で or 〜に関して, not a word-for-word rendering.
期間 is the general word for a period. 学期 is only for school terms. 任期 is only for official positions. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
契約の条件は何ですか？
What are the terms of the agreement?
彼は知事として5年の任期を務めた。
He served a five-year term as governor.
これらの専門用語を覚える必要がある。
I need to learn these technical terms.
それ、いい言葉だね。
That's a nice term/phrase.
Please memorize this term.
契約書の第3条項を見てください。
Look at clause 3 of the terms.
良好な関係を築く。
To build good terms (a good relationship).