Translation guide
Describes something that is not permanent, lasting for a limited time, or intended to be used for a short period. Japanese uses different words depending on whether it's a temporary state, a provisional arrangement, or a short-term physical object.
Expressing that a situation, feeling, or condition is temporary and will change.
The most common and neutral way to say 'temporary'. Used for states, conditions, or situations that are not permanent.
この痛みは一時的なものです。
This pain is temporary.
一時的な流行に過ぎない。
It's just a temporary fad.
Means 'tentative' or 'provisional'. Often used for something set up as a placeholder until a permanent solution is found.
これは仮のスケジュールです。
This is a tentative schedule.
仮の住まいを見つけた。
I found a temporary place to live.
Used for something set up specially for a particular occasion or emergency, like a temporary measure or extra service. Often used in official contexts.
臨時のバスが運行されます。
A temporary bus service will be operated.
臨時休業のお知らせ
Notice of temporary closure
Referring to a person employed for a limited period or a short-term job.
Often used as a prefix for temporary staff or positions, e.g., 臨時社員 (temporary employee).
臨時のアルバイトを募集しています。
We are hiring temporary part-time workers.
Refers to temporary staff dispatched from an agency. Very common in business contexts.
Describing something built or placed for short-term use, like a tent, stage, or barrier.
Used for temporary structures or facilities set up for a specific purpose, like construction sites or events.
仮設トイレが設置された。
Temporary toilets were set up.
仮設住宅に住んでいる。
They are living in temporary housing.
Can also be used for objects, but less specific than 仮設. Emphasizes the non-permanent nature.
A stopgap or makeshift fix that is not intended to be permanent.
A common phrase meaning a makeshift or stopgap measure. Often implies it's not a real solution.
それはその場しのぎの対策に過ぎない。
That's just a temporary measure.
Means 'emergency' or 'first-aid', used for temporary fixes in urgent situations.
一時的 (ichijiteki) is the most general for 'temporary state'. 臨時 (rinji) is for special/extra temporary arrangements, often official. 仮 (kari) means 'provisional' or 'tentative', implying something will be replaced later.
The loanword テンポラリー (tenporarī) is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to the native terms above.
He works as a temporary employee (dispatched from an agency).
Literally 'limited period'. Used for jobs or contracts that are explicitly for a fixed term.
期間限定の契約社員を探しています。
I'm looking for a temporary contract worker.
一時的な柵を立てた。
We put up a temporary fence.
応急処置を施した。
We applied a temporary fix.