Japanese word

折

Pronunciation

Romajiori

Meaning

  • nounchance

Example

また折があれば、来てください。ma ta ori ga a re ba ki te ku da sa i

Please come again if you get a chance.

Illustration for 折 (chance)

More examples

都合のよい折に、詳しい話を聞かせてください。tsu gō no yo i ori ni kuwa shi i hanashi o ki ka se te ku da sa i

Please tell me more when you have a chance.

Core concept

折 (ori) points to a particular time when circumstances provide an opportunity to do something.

Common phrases

  • 折があればori ga a re ba

    if there is a chance

  • 折を見てori o mi te

    when an opportunity arises

Similar words

機会kikai: A situation that allows an action or event to take place.
好機kōki: A particularly favorable chance to accomplish something.
時機jiki: The right time to begin an action or make a decision.

Definition in Japanese

あることを行うのに適した機会。a ru ko to o okona u no ni teki shi ta ki kai

Word origin

折る (oru, "to fold or break") becomes 折り (ori) in its noun-forming stem, and 折 (ori, "occasion") develops from this native word to mean a particular time or opportunity.

Usage tips

  • 折 (ori) is useful when a speaker wants to leave the timing of a meeting or action open while still suggesting that a suitable opportunity may come.

Other meanings

  • occasionnoun

Word lists with this word