Japanese word

機会

Pronunciation

Romajikikai

Meaning

  • nounchance

Example

これはいい機会です。ko re wa i i ki kai de su

This is a good chance.

Illustration for 機会 (chance)

More examples

機会があれば、友達と遊びます。ki kai ga a re ba tomo dachi to aso bi ma su

If I get a chance, I will play with my friends.

旅行中に日本語を使う機会がありました。ryo kō chū ni nihon go o tsuka u ki kai ga a ri ma shi ta

I had a chance to use Japanese during my trip.

Core concept

A favorable opening or situation makes a possible action easier to carry out.

Common phrases

  • 機会があるki kai ga a ru

    have a chance

  • 機会があればki kai ga a re ba

    if there is a chance

  • 機会を逃すki kai o noga su

    miss a chance

Similar words

チャンスchansu: A good opportunity to do something or make progress.

Definition in Japanese

何かをするのに都合のよい時や場面。nan ka o su ru no ni tsu gō no yo i toki ya ba men

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 機会 (kikai, "opportunity") comes from the Chinese compound 機會 (jīhuì), combining 機 (ki, "a favorable moment") with 会 (kai, "meeting").

Usage tips

  • The phrase 機会があれば (kikai ga areba) means "if there is an opportunity" and often appears when discussing future plans or invitations.

Other meanings

  • opportunitynoun
  • occasionnoun

Word lists with this word