Translation guide
A temporary suspension of an activity or obligation, often used in legal, financial, or social contexts. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through loanwords, native terms, and descriptive phrases depending on the nuance.
A formal, often government-declared, temporary halt to an activity like debt repayment, construction, or testing.
A period of postponing adult responsibilities or decisions, often associated with youth.
Used in psychology and sociology to describe a 'moratorium period' in identity development, popularized by Erik Erikson.
大学生活は一種のモラトリアム期間だ。
College life is a kind of moratorium period.
While モラトリアム is common, it can sound technical. In casual conversation, rephrase with 一時停止 or explain the situation. For psychological moratorium, モラトリアム期間 is standard in academic writing.
彼はまだモラトリアム期間にいる感じだね。
He still seems to be in a moratorium phase.
The direct loanword from English, widely understood in formal and media contexts. Used for debt moratoriums, nuclear test bans, etc.
政府は債務のモラトリアムを発表した。
The government announced a moratorium on debt repayments.
Literally 'temporary suspension'. A general term used in official announcements and everyday contexts.
工事は一時停止された。
Construction was temporarily suspended.
Specifically a 'grace period' or 'moratorium on payments'. Used in financial and legal contexts.
銀行はローンの支払い猶予に応じた。
The bank agreed to a moratorium on loan payments.
A 'grace period' or 'period of postponement', used in both financial and psychological contexts.
若者には猶予期間が必要だ。
Young people need a moratorium period.