モラトリアム
Meanings
moratorium; grace period; temporary suspension
Used for official or legal temporary halts, such as debt repayment freezes, nuclear test bans, or other formal suspensions.
The government granted a moratorium on debt repayment.
A moratorium on nuclear testing was declared.
postponement of adulthood; emotional immaturity; extended adolescence
Psychological or sociological term describing a young person's delay in taking on adult social responsibilities; often used in the phrase モラトリアム人間.
See also: モラトリアム人間 (モラトリアムにんげん)
He remains a 'moratorium person,' never trying to get a job.
It is sometimes said that the university years are a moratorium period.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉にモラトリアムを設けるto impose a moratorium on something
The government imposed a moratorium on nuclear testing.
- モラトリアムに入るto enter a period of delayed adulthood
He put off getting a job and entered a period of extended adolescence.
- モラトリアムを宣言するto declare a moratorium
The country declared a moratorium on its debts.
- モラトリアム期間moratorium period
The moratorium period on payments was extended by three months.