Translation guide
The English word 'opportunity' refers to a favorable time or set of circumstances for doing something. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 機会 (kikai), but other words like チャンス (chansu) and expressions like 折 (ori) are used depending on formality and context. This guide helps learners choose the right word and use natural phrasing.
Expressing a favorable time or chance to do something, in everyday conversation or writing.
The standard, neutral word for 'opportunity'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese, formal and informal contexts.
この機会を逃さないでください。
Please don't miss this opportunity.
彼と話す機会がなかった。
I didn't have an opportunity to talk to him.
A common loanword from English, slightly more casual and often used for lucky breaks or one-time chances. Very natural in conversation.
これは絶好のチャンスだ。
This is a golden opportunity.
チャンスがあれば、また来たいです。
If I have the opportunity, I'd like to come again.
A formal, somewhat literary word for 'opportunity' or 'occasion'. Often used in set phrases like 折を見て (when the opportunity arises) or in business correspondence.
折を見てご連絡いたします。
I will contact you when the opportunity arises.
Expressing the act of seizing or making use of an opportunity.
Means 'to make the most of an opportunity' or 'to capitalize on an opportunity'. 活かす implies utilizing something effectively.
この機会を活かして、スキルを磨きたい。
I want to take advantage of this opportunity to improve my skills.
Literally 'to grab a chance', a vivid and common expression for seizing an opportunity.
彼はそのチャンスを掴んで成功した。
He seized the opportunity and succeeded.
Focusing on the timing aspect of an opportunity, often with a nuance of 'the right time'.
Means 'good opportunity' or 'favorable moment'. Slightly more formal than チャンス, often used in writing or speeches.
今が好機だ。
Now is the opportune moment.
Refers to 'timely opportunity' or 'the right time'. Often used in set phrases like 時機を待つ (to wait for the right opportunity).
時機を待って行動しよう。
Let's wait for the right opportunity and then act.
Expressing 'opportunity to do X' using grammatical patterns.
The most basic pattern: 'there is an opportunity to ~'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
日本に行く機会があれば、ぜひ行きたい。
If I have an opportunity to go to Japan, I definitely want to go.
Casual equivalent of 機会がある, often used for lucky or unexpected chances.
彼に会えるチャンスがあったらいいな。
I hope I get a chance to meet him.
機会 is the standard, neutral word for 'opportunity' and can be used in almost any context. チャンス is a loanword that often implies a lucky break or a one-time favorable situation. In formal writing or business, 機会 is preferred. In casual speech, both are common, but チャンス can sound more excited or optimistic.
面接の機会をいただき、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview.
これが最後のチャンスだ！
This is the last chance!
In English, 'opportunity' is sometimes used in phrases like 'job opportunity' or 'business opportunity'. While 機会 can be used, more specific terms like 求人 (job opening) or ビジネスチャンス (business chance) are often more natural. Also, 'opportunity cost' is translated as 機会費用 (きかいひよう) in economics, but in everyday speech, it's rarely used.
新しい求人を探しています。
I'm looking for new job opportunities.