At the A1 level, you don't need to use '周期' (shuuki) often, but it's good to recognize it. Think of it as a word for 'a regular pattern of time.' Imagine a clock going around or the seasons changing from Spring to Summer, Fall, and Winter. That 'round and round' is a cycle. You might see this word on a medicine bottle or a simple health app. Just remember: it means something that happens again and again in the same way. You can remember the first part 'shuu' (周) looks like a box with things inside, like a circuit. The second part 'ki' (期) means 'time.' So, it's 'circuit time.'
For A2 learners, '周期' is useful for describing simple routines and biological facts. You can use it to talk about how often you do something, though you might use 'サイクル' (saikuru) more in casual talk. If you are learning about the environment or basic science in Japanese, you will see '周期.' For example, 'The cycle of the moon' (月の周期). It's a noun. You can say '周期が短い' (The cycle is short) or '周期が長い' (The cycle is long). This helps you describe patterns more precisely than just saying 'always' or 'sometimes.'
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '周期' to describe more complex systems. This includes the 'business cycle' (景気周期) or 'sleep cycles' (睡眠周期). You should understand that '周期' is formal and academic. If you are reading news articles or watching documentaries, this word will appear frequently. You should also start using the adverbial form '周期的に' (shuuki-teki ni) to mean 'periodically.' For example, 'This machine breaks down periodically' (この機械は周期的に故障する). This adds variety to your sentences and shows you understand the rhythmic nature of certain events.
B2 learners should master '周期' in specialized contexts. You should be comfortable discussing the 'Periodic Table' (周期表) in chemistry or 'orbital periods' in astronomy. You will also encounter it in literature or formal essays to describe the 'cycle of history' or 'life cycles.' At this level, you should distinguish '周期' from '頻度' (frequency) and '循環' (circulation). You should be able to explain *why* a cycle is irregular (不規則な周期) using complex grammar. Understanding the nuance that '周期' focuses on the time interval of one complete loop is essential for natural-sounding Japanese in professional environments.
At the C1 level, '周期' is a tool for nuanced analysis. You might use it in a thesis or a high-level business presentation to describe 'market volatility cycles' or 'long-wave economic cycles' (コンドラチェフの波). You should be aware of its usage in idioms and more obscure technical terms. You can discuss the 'periodicity' (周期性) of data in statistics. Your understanding should extend to how '周期' interacts with abstract concepts like 'cultural cycles' or 'the cycle of violence.' You are expected to use the word with perfect grammatical accuracy, including correct particle usage and collocations with sophisticated verbs like '同調する' (to synchronize) or '収束する' (to converge).
For C2 speakers, '周期' is an integrated part of a sophisticated vocabulary. You can use it to discuss the philosophical implications of cyclical time versus linear time. You understand the historical development of the word and its place in the Japanese lexicon compared to its Chinese origins. You can effortlessly switch between '周期,' 'サイクル,' and other synonyms to achieve the exact tone required for any audience, from a group of children to a panel of scientists. You recognize the word even in highly metaphorical or poetic contexts, where '周期' might represent the inevitable return of a particular emotion or social state. Your mastery is such that you can identify and correct subtle misuses of the word by others.

周期 in 30 Sekunden

  • 周期 (shuuki) means 'period' or 'cycle' in Japanese.
  • It refers to the time it takes for a repeating event to complete one full loop.
  • It is commonly used in science, medicine, economics, and for regular routines.
  • It is a formal noun and can be turned into an adverb with '的に' (shuuki-teki ni).

The Japanese word 周期 (しゅうき - shuuki) is a fundamental noun that translates most directly to 'period' or 'cycle' in English. It represents the time interval required for a recurring event or phenomenon to complete one full sequence and return to its starting state. Unlike general words for 'time' or 'duration,' 周期 specifically implies a repetitive, rhythmic, or predictable nature. It is an essential term in both everyday conversation and specialized fields such as science, medicine, and economics.

Scientific Context
In physics and mathematics, it refers to the duration of one complete wave or oscillation. For example, the movement of a pendulum or the rotation of a planet.

地球の自転の周期は約24時間です。(The period of the Earth's rotation is approximately 24 hours.)

Biological Context
It is used to describe biological rhythms, such as the menstrual cycle (生理の周期), sleep cycles (睡眠周期), or the life cycle of plants and insects.

The word is composed of two kanji characters: 周 (shu), meaning 'circumference,' 'circuit,' or 'to go around,' and 期 (ki), meaning 'period,' 'time,' or 'expectation.' Together, they literally translate to 'the time it takes to go around once.' This visual imagery helps learners understand that 周期 is not just any length of time, but a duration that leads back to the beginning. Whether you are talking about the seasons changing, the ticking of a clock, or the repetitive nature of historical events, 周期 is the go-to word. It is more formal than the katakana word サイクル (saikuru), though they are often interchangeable in casual speech. Using 周期 adds a layer of precision and academic weight to your Japanese.

この機械は一定の周期で音を鳴らします。(This machine makes a sound at a fixed interval/cycle.)

Economic/Social Context
Used to describe trends that repeat over years or decades, such as fashion trends or economic booms and busts.

Understanding 周期 allows you to discuss complex topics like climate change (the cycle of ice ages), technology (product update cycles), and even personal habits. It is a bridge between conversational Japanese and academic or professional Japanese. When you see this word, think of a circle closing—a process that repeats itself over and over. This conceptual understanding will prevent you from confusing it with 期間 (kikan), which refers to a simple duration or period of time without the implication of repetition.

Using 周期 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and how it interacts with particles and verbs. Most commonly, it acts as the subject or object of a sentence, or as part of a compound noun. Let's explore the grammatical patterns and common pairings that will make your Japanese sound natural and professional.

Pattern: [Noun] + の + 周期
This is the most common way to specify what kind of cycle you are talking about. Examples: 睡眠の周期 (sleep cycle), 景気の周期 (economic cycle), 太陽の活動周期 (solar activity cycle).

ハレー彗星の回帰周期は約76年です。(The return cycle of Halley's Comet is about 76 years.)

Pattern: 周期 + が + [Adjective]
Common adjectives used with 周期 include 長い (nagai - long), 短い (mijikai - short), 正確な (seikaku na - accurate), and 不規則な (fukisoku na - irregular).

In more advanced contexts, you will encounter 周期 as a prefix or suffix in technical terms. For instance, 周期律表 (shuuki-ritsu-hyou) is the Periodic Table of Elements. Understanding the 'cycle' meaning makes these difficult terms much easier to remember. When describing frequency in a more adverbial sense, you can use '一定の周期で' (ittei no shuuki de), which means 'at regular intervals' or 'at a fixed cycle.'

最近、睡眠の周期が乱れていて、疲れが取れません。(Lately, my sleep cycle has been disrupted, and I can't get rid of my fatigue.)

Verbs commonly used with 周期
繰り返す (kurikaesu - to repeat), 計算する (keisan suru - to calculate), 測定する (sokutei suru - to measure), 把握する (haaku suru - to grasp/understand).

When writing, 周期 is often used to establish the pace of a narrative or a scientific observation. It provides a structured way to look at time. For English speakers, it is helpful to contrast 周期 with 'frequency' (周波数 - shuuhasuu). While frequency measures how *often* something happens per unit of time, 周期 measures the *time* it takes for one occurrence. They are inverse concepts. By mastering 周期, you gain the ability to describe the rhythms of life, nature, and technology with the precision of a native speaker.

You will encounter 周期 in a wide variety of real-world Japanese environments. Its versatility means it shifts from the doctor's office to the stock market news effortlessly. Recognizing where it appears will help you tune your ears to its usage.

In the Media and News
News reports on the economy frequently use 景気周期 (business cycle). You might hear: '景気周期の波を予測するのは難しい' (It is difficult to predict the waves of the business cycle).

気象庁は、エルニーニョ現象の発生周期を調査しています。(The Meteorological Agency is investigating the occurrence cycle of the El Niño phenomenon.)

In Medical and Health Settings
When visiting a pharmacy or clinic, 周期 is used to discuss biological functions. A pharmacist might ask about a 'menstrual cycle' (生理周期) or a doctor might explain 'cell division cycles' (細胞分裂の周期).

In the classroom or in educational documentaries (like those on NHK), 周期 is used to explain the orbits of planets, the vibration of strings in music, or the periodic table in chemistry. It is a 'hard' word—one that signifies factual, reliable information. In sports, coaches might talk about a 'training cycle' (トレーニング周期) to prepare athletes for major competitions. Even in tech, the 'update cycle' (更新周期) of software or hardware is a common topic of discussion among enthusiasts.

この製品の買い替え周期は、平均して3年です。(The replacement cycle for this product is three years on average.)

In Everyday Conversation
While slightly formal, people use it to talk about their routines or habits that repeat. '掃除の周期' (cleaning cycle/schedule) or '美容院に行く周期' (the frequency of going to the hair salon).

By paying attention to these contexts, you'll see that 周期 is not just a vocabulary word but a tool for organizing how we perceive the world's repeating patterns. Whether it's the macro-level of the universe or the micro-level of your own skin cells, 周期 is the word that ties it all together.

While 周期 is a straightforward concept, learners often trip up by using it in place of other time-related words. Understanding these nuances is key to reaching B1 and B2 proficiency levels.

Mistake 1: Confusing 周期 with 期間 (kikan)
期間 refers to a simple duration of time—a 'period' from point A to point B. 周期 implies that after point B, the process starts again at point A. If you are talking about a vacation that lasts 10 days, use 期間. If you are talking about a vacation you take *every* 10 months, you could discuss the 周期.

このプロジェクトの周期は3ヶ月です。
このプロジェクトの期間は3ヶ月です。(The project duration is 3 months.)

Mistake 2: Overusing 周期 when 頻度 (hindo) is better
頻度 means 'frequency' in the sense of how often something happens. While 周期 is the *time* between events, 頻度 is the *count* of events. If you want to say 'He exercises frequently,' use 頻度 (頻度が高い). If you want to say 'He exercises every 3 days,' you are describing the 周期.

Another mistake is forgetting that 周期 is a noun. Learners sometimes try to use it as a verb directly. Unlike words like 勉強 (benkyou), you cannot say '周期する.' Instead, you must say '周期的に繰り返す' (to repeat periodically) or '周期を持つ' (to have a cycle). In technical writing, ensure you don't confuse 周期 (period) with 周波数 (frequency). In physics, period (T) is the time for one cycle, and frequency (f) is cycles per second. Using them interchangeably will lead to confusion in scientific contexts.

周期が早いです。
周期が短いです。(The cycle is short.)

Finally, be careful with the kanji. 周 (shu) is often confused with 週 (shu - week). While they sound the same, their meanings are distinct. A 'weekly cycle' would be 毎週の周期, but don't accidentally write 週記 (which would mean a weekly diary)! Keeping the visual of a circle (周) in mind will help you keep the meaning and the kanji straight.

Japanese has several words that overlap with 周期. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

サイクル (Saikuru)
This is the katakana version of 'cycle.' It is used frequently in casual conversation, marketing, and modern business. It feels lighter and less 'scientific' than 周期. You'll hear 'ライフサイクル' (life cycle) or 'リサイクル' (recycle).
循環 (Junkan)
This means 'circulation' or 'rotation.' While 周期 focuses on the *time* it takes to repeat, 循環 focuses on the *flow* or the act of moving in a circle. Example: 血液の循環 (blood circulation).
期間 (Kikan)
As mentioned before, this is 'duration.' It describes the length of time between two points without any implication that the event will repeat. Use this for deadlines, vacations, or fixed stages of life.

Comparison:
周期: The rhythm/timing of repetition.
循環: The movement/flow in a circle.
期間: The static length of time.

頻度 (Hindo)
Frequency. Use this when you are counting how many times something happens in a given timeframe. '更新の頻度が高い' (The frequency of updates is high).

Another related term is 恒例 (kourei), which means 'established custom' or 'annual event.' While an annual event has a 周期 of one year, 恒例 emphasizes the tradition and the expectation that it will happen, rather than the mathematical timing. Similarly, 輪廻 (rinne) is a Buddhist term for the cycle of rebirth (Samsara). While it describes a cycle, it is strictly religious and spiritual. By knowing these alternatives, you can tailor your Japanese to fit the exact context, whether you're explaining a physics experiment or talking about your favorite annual festival.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 周期 was essential for the modernization of Japanese science in the Meiji era, as scholars needed a precise translation for the Western concept of 'period' in physics and chemistry.

Aussprachehilfe

UK ʃɯːki
US ʃuːki
The pitch accent is 'Atamadaka' (Type 1), meaning the first syllable is high and the rest are low: SHU-u-ki.
Reimt sich auf
空気 (kuuki - air) 勇気 (yuuki - courage) 冬期 (touki - winter period) 登記 (touki - registration) 正気 (shouki - sanity) 狂気 (kyouki - madness) 表記 (hyouki - notation) 暗記 (anki - memorization)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing it as 'shuki' (short u) instead of 'shuuki' (long u).
  • Confusing the pitch accent with 'shuki' (meaning 'memorandum').
  • Pronouncing 'ki' like 'key' in English (keep it shorter in Japanese).
  • Adding a stress on the second syllable.
  • Mixing it up with 'shuku' (celebration).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji are N3 level, but the concept is easy to grasp.

Schreiben 4/5

Both kanji have several strokes and require practice to write neatly.

Sprechen 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you remember the long 'uu' sound.

Hören 3/5

Can be confused with other 'shuu' words if context isn't clear.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

時間 (Time) 期間 (Duration) 回る (To go around) 繰り返す (To repeat) 同じ (Same)

Als Nächstes lernen

循環 (Circulation) 頻度 (Frequency) 規則的 (Regular) 変動 (Fluctuation) 予測 (Prediction)

Fortgeschritten

周期律表 (Periodic Table) 収束 (Convergence) 同期 (Synchronization) 振幅 (Amplitude) 周波数 (Frequency/Hz)

Wichtige Grammatik

Using ~的に to form adverbs

周期 + 的に = 周期的に (periodically)

Noun + の + Noun

睡眠の周期 (sleep cycle)

Using ~ごとに for intervals

一週間ごとに (every one week - related to cycle)

Intransitive verb 'midareru'

周期が乱れる (The cycle is disrupted)

Causal 'no eikyou de'

景気周期の影響で (Due to the influence of the business cycle)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

月の周期は一ヶ月です。

The moon's cycle is one month.

Simple [Noun] + の + [Noun] structure.

2

この時計の周期は正しいです。

This clock's period/cycle is correct.

Using 'tadashii' (correct) to describe the cycle.

3

花の周期を知りたいです。

I want to know the cycle of the flowers.

Using 'tai' to express desire.

4

短い周期で雨が降ります。

It rains in short cycles.

Using 'de' to indicate the manner/interval.

5

周期的な音を聞きました。

I heard a periodic sound.

Using 'teki na' to turn the noun into an adjective.

6

一年の周期は四季があります。

The one-year cycle has four seasons.

Describing the contents of a cycle.

7

信号の周期が変わりました。

The traffic light cycle changed.

Using 'kawaru' (to change) as an intransitive verb.

8

周期を数えてください。

Please count the cycles.

Using 'kudasai' for a polite request.

1

健康のために、睡眠の周期を整えましょう。

Let's fix our sleep cycle for our health.

Using 'tame ni' (for the sake of) and 'mashou' (let's).

2

この植物は、長い周期で花が咲きます。

This plant blooms in long cycles.

Using 'de' to show the interval of the action.

3

機械が一定の周期で動いています。

The machine is moving at a fixed cycle.

Using 'ittei no' (fixed/constant).

4

掃除の周期を決めると楽ですよ。

It's easier if you decide on a cleaning cycle.

Using 'to' to show a condition and result.

5

星の動く周期を勉強しました。

I studied the cycle of moving stars.

Using a verb phrase to modify 'shuuki'.

6

このアプリで生理の周期を記録します。

I record my menstrual cycle with this app.

Using 'de' for the tool/instrument.

7

波の周期が早くなっています。

The period of the waves is becoming faster (shorter).

Using 'naru' to show a change in state.

8

周期が乱れると大変です。

It's difficult when the cycle is disrupted.

Using 'midareru' (to be disrupted).

1

景気周期の影響で、売上が落ちています。

Due to the influence of the business cycle, sales are falling.

Using 'no eikyou de' (due to the influence of).

2

この薬は、24時間の周期で服用してください。

Please take this medicine on a 24-hour cycle.

Using 'de' for the interval.

3

太陽の活動には約11年の周期がある。

There is a cycle of about 11 years in solar activity.

Using 'ni wa ... ga aru' to show existence.

4

彼は周期的に日本を訪れる。

He visits Japan periodically.

Using 'teki ni' as an adverb.

5

ファッションの流行には一定の周期があると言われている。

It is said that there is a certain cycle in fashion trends.

Using 'to iwarete iru' (it is said that).

6

細胞が分裂する周期を観察する。

Observe the cycle at which cells divide.

Direct object 'shuuki' with the verb 'kansatsu suru'.

7

その彗星は非常に長い周期で地球に近づく。

That comet approaches Earth in a very long cycle.

Using 'hijou ni' (extremely) to modify the adjective.

8

生活の周期をリセットする必要があります。

It is necessary to reset your lifestyle cycle.

Using 'hitsuyou ga aru' (there is a need).

1

エンジンの振動周期を計測して、異常を検知する。

Measure the vibration period of the engine to detect abnormalities.

Using 'te' form to connect actions.

2

歴史は、似たような周期を繰り返しているように見える。

History seems to be repeating similar cycles.

Using 'you ni mieru' (seems to be).

3

この島では、火山の噴火周期が約50年だと推測されている。

On this island, it is estimated that the volcanic eruption cycle is about 50 years.

Using 'to suisoku sarete iru' (is estimated that).

4

睡眠周期が乱れると、精神的な健康にも悪影響を及ぼす。

If the sleep cycle is disrupted, it also has a negative effect on mental health.

Using 'akueikyou o oyobosu' (to exert a bad influence).

5

在庫の回転周期を短縮することで、利益を上げる。

Increase profits by shortening the inventory turnover cycle.

Using 'koto de' to show the means/method.

6

周期律表は、化学を学ぶ上で最も重要なツールの一つだ。

The Periodic Table is one of the most important tools in learning chemistry.

Using 'ue de' (in the process of/when).

7

心拍の周期をモニターで確認してください。

Please check the heartbeat period on the monitor.

Compound noun 'shinpaku no shuuki'.

8

不規則な生活が続くと、ホルモンバランスの周期が崩れる。

If an irregular lifestyle continues, the cycle of hormonal balance collapses.

Using 'to' for a natural consequence.

1

マクロ経済学では、景気循環の周期性を分析することが不可欠だ。

In macroeconomics, analyzing the periodicity of the business cycle is essential.

Using 'fukaketsu da' (is indispensable/essential).

2

この振り子の周期は、紐の長さによって決定される。

The period of this pendulum is determined by the length of the string.

Using 'ni yotte kettei sareru' (is determined by).

3

独自の周期を持つ複数の波が重なり合い、複雑な干渉を引き起こす。

Multiple waves with their own periods overlap, causing complex interference.

Using 'kasanariai' (overlapping) and 'hikioikosu' (to cause).

4

生物の体内時計は、24時間周期のサーカディアンリズムを刻んでいる。

The biological clock of living things ticks with a 24-hour circadian rhythm cycle.

Using 'o kizande iru' (is ticking/carving).

5

その国家の政治的混乱は、10年周期で再燃する傾向にある。

The political turmoil of that nation tends to flare up again in 10-year cycles.

Using 'keikou ni aru' (have a tendency to).

6

デジタル信号のサンプリング周期を適切に設定する必要がある。

It is necessary to appropriately set the sampling period of the digital signal.

Using 'tekisetsu ni' (appropriately).

7

太陽黒点の数は、約11年周期で増減を繰り返している。

The number of sunspots repeats an increase and decrease in a cycle of about 11 years.

Using 'zougen o kurikaesu' (repeat increase and decrease).

8

伝統的な祭りは、共同体の結束を強める周期的な儀式としての役割を果たす。

Traditional festivals play a role as periodic rituals that strengthen community bonds.

Using 'yakuwari o hatasu' (to play a role).

1

ニーチェの『永劫回帰』の思想は、宇宙が無限の周期で繰り返されるという仮説に基づいている。

Nietzsche's idea of 'Eternal Recurrence' is based on the hypothesis that the universe repeats in infinite cycles.

Using 'ni motozuite iru' (is based on).

2

量子力学における波動関数の周期性は、物質の性質を規定する根源的な要素である。

The periodicity of the wave function in quantum mechanics is a fundamental element that prescribes the properties of matter.

Using 'kongenteki na youso' (fundamental element).

3

文明の興亡には、ある種の不可避な周期が存在するという歴史観がある。

There is a view of history that a certain kind of inevitable cycle exists in the rise and fall of civilizations.

Using 'fukahi na' (inevitable).

4

経済学における長期的波動の周期を同定することは、実証的な課題として残されている。

Identifying the cycle of long-term waves in economics remains an empirical challenge.

Using 'doutei suru' (to identify) and 'jisshouteki' (empirical).

5

言語の変遷にも周期的なパターンが見出せると主張する言語学者もいる。

Some linguists argue that periodic patterns can be found in the transition of languages.

Using 'miidaseru' (can find/discover).

6

その芸術家の作品群には、破壊と創造が周期的に交錯するテーマが一貫して流れている。

In the artist's body of work, a theme in which destruction and creation periodically intersect flows consistently.

Using 'kousaku suru' (to intersect/cross).

7

気候変動の周期的な変動要因を解明することは、未来予測の精度を高める鍵となる。

Elucidating the periodic fluctuating factors of climate change is the key to increasing the accuracy of future predictions.

Using 'kaimei suru' (to elucidate/clarify).

8

社会的な価値観の変容は、世代交代の周期と密接に連動している。

The transformation of social values is closely linked to the cycle of generational change.

Using 'missetsu ni rendou shite iru' (is closely linked/interlocked).

Häufige Kollokationen

周期が長い
周期が短い
周期が乱れる
周期を整える
周期を繰り返す
一定の周期
周期的な変動
景気周期
睡眠周期
周期律表

Häufige Phrasen

周期が合う

— When two cycles synchronize or match up.

二つの波の周期が合う。

周期を早める

— To make the cycle complete faster.

更新の周期を早める。

周期を遅らせる

— To slow down the cycle.

支払い周期を遅らせる。

周期一巡

— Completing one full cycle.

周期が一巡した。

周期計算

— Calculating the period.

周期計算を行う。

周期予測

— Predicting the next cycle.

地震の周期予測。

周期グラフ

— A graph showing cycles.

周期グラフを作成する。

周期エラー

— An error in a rhythmic process.

周期エラーが発生した。

周期点検

— Periodic inspection.

エレベーターの周期点検。

周期設定

— Setting the interval/cycle.

タイマーの周期設定。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

周期 vs 期間 (kikan)

Kikan is a one-time duration. Shuuki is a repeating interval.

周期 vs 頻度 (hindo)

Hindo is how many times (frequency). Shuuki is the time between those times (period).

周期 vs 週記 (shuuki)

Shuuki (weekly diary) sounds the same but is written with different kanji and used differently.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"歴史は繰り返す"

— History repeats itself. While not using the word '周期,' it describes the concept perfectly.

歴史は繰り返すと言うが、まさにその周期だ。

General
"七年目の浮気"

— The seven-year itch. A cultural idea that relationships have a cycle of trouble every seven years.

これも一種の周期かもしれない。

Casual
"三日坊主"

— Giving up after three days. Often used when someone's 'good habit cycle' breaks immediately.

ダイエットの周期が三日で終わった。

Informal
"波がある"

— To have ups and downs. Describes a cycle of performance or mood.

彼の成績には周期的な波がある。

Neutral
"巡り巡って"

— Coming full circle. Describes a long and indirect cycle.

巡り巡って、また同じ場所に戻った。

General
"一回り"

— One full cycle (often 12 years in the zodiac).

彼は私より一回り(12歳)年上だ。

General
"輪廻転生"

— The cycle of death and rebirth.

輪廻の周期から解き放たれる。

Religious
"因果応報"

— Retributive justice; what goes around comes around.

悪い行いの周期が自分に返ってきた。

Formal
"石の上にも三年"

— Perseverance will be rewarded. Implies a three-year cycle of effort.

修行の周期として三年は必要だ。

General
"盛者必衰"

— The prosperous must decline. Describes the inevitable cycle of power.

歴史の周期、盛者必衰の理だ。

Literary

Leicht verwechselbar

周期 vs 循環 (junkan)

Both involve circles.

Shuuki is about the *time* of the cycle. Junkan is about the *movement/flow* of the cycle.

血液の循環 (blood circulation) vs 睡眠の周期 (sleep cycle).

周期 vs サイクル (saikuru)

They mean the same thing.

Saikuru is loanword/casual. Shuuki is native/formal.

仕事のサイクル vs 景気周期.

周期 vs 周波数 (shuuhasuu)

Both used in physics.

Shuuhasuu is cycles per second (Hz). Shuuki is seconds per cycle.

この電波の周波数は高い。

周期 vs 定期的 (teikiteki)

Both mean 'periodic'.

Teikiteki is an adjective describing something scheduled. Shuuki is the noun for the interval itself.

定期的な点検 vs 点検の周期.

周期 vs 回数 (kaisu)

Related to frequency.

Kaisu is the count (number of times). Shuuki is the time interval.

練習の回数を増やす。

Satzmuster

A2

[Noun] の周期は [Time] です。

月の周期は28日です。

B1

[Noun] は周期的に [Verb]。

この機械は周期的に止まります。

B1

周期が [Adjective] です。

最近、睡眠の周期が短いです。

B2

一定の周期で [Verb] ことが重要だ。

一定の周期でバックアップを取ることが重要だ。

B2

[Noun] の周期が乱れると、[Result]。

ホルモンの周期が乱れると、体調が悪くなる。

C1

[Noun] には周期性が見られる。

このデータには明確な周期性が見られる。

C1

[Noun] の周期を同定する。

景気変動の周期を同定する。

C2

[Concept] は [Noun] の周期と密接に連動している。

社会の変容は経済の周期と密接に連動している。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

周期性 (periodicity)
周期律 (periodic law)
周期表 (periodic table)
周期関数 (periodic function)

Verben

周期化する (to periodicize - rare)
周期的に繰り返す (to repeat periodically)

Adjektive

周期的な (periodic)
非周期的な (aperiodic)

Verwandt

サイクル (cycle)
循環 (circulation)
波 (wave)
リズム (rhythm)
期間 (duration)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Highly common in news, science, and health contexts. Moderate in daily casual speech.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 周期 for a one-time duration. 期間 (kikan)

    周期 is only for things that repeat. If you say 'the duration of the movie is 2 hours,' use 期間.

  • Saying 周期が早い (shuuki ga hayai). 周期が短い (shuuki ga mijikai)

    While 'fast' makes sense in English, in Japanese, we describe the length of the time interval as 'short'.

  • Writing 週記 (weekly record) instead of 周期. 周期

    These are homophones. Make sure to use the 'around' kanji (周).

  • Confusing 周期 with 頻度 (frequency). Check context.

    If you want to say 'how many times,' use 頻度. If you want to say 'how long between times,' use 周期.

  • Using 周期 as a suru-verb (周期する). 周期的に繰り返す

    周期 is a noun and cannot be turned into a verb directly with 'suru'.

Tipps

Kanji Breakdown

Remember 周 means 'around' and 期 means 'time'. Together they are 'the time to go around.' This makes the meaning unforgettable.

Adjective Pairings

Always pair 周期 with '長い' (long) or '短い' (short) instead of '多い' or '少ない' when talking about the length of the cycle.

Nature Cycles

Japan is a country of cycles. Use 周期 when discussing the blooming of flowers or the return of migratory birds to sound more native.

Physics Tip

In physics problems, 周期 is usually denoted by the letter 'T'. Remembering this can help you connect your school knowledge to Japanese.

Medical Context

If you are using a health app in Japanese, 周期 is the key word for tracking almost any recurring metric.

Economy

When reading the Nikkei or economic news, look for 景気周期 to understand market trends.

Particle Usage

Use 'で' to indicate the interval: '28日の周期で' (on a 28-day cycle).

Katakana Alternative

Don't forget サイクル. It's often easier to use in a pinch if you forget 周期 during a conversation.

Compound Nouns

Japanese loves compound nouns. Try combining 周期 with other words like 睡眠 (sleep) or 更新 (update).

News Cues

When you hear 'shuuki,' expect a discussion about a pattern or a prediction of when something will happen next.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'SHOO' (shoe) going 'KI' (kick) in a circle. Each kick completes one SHUUKI (cycle).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a circle with an arrow pointing back to the start. Inside the circle, write 'SHUUKI'.

Word Web

Science Circle Repeat Time Rhythm Moon Clock Pattern

Herausforderung

Try to find three things in your room that have a 'shuuki' (like a clock, a plant's watering schedule, or a computer update) and say them out loud in Japanese.

Wortherkunft

Borrowed from Middle Chinese. The kanji 周 (shu) originally depicted a field divided into sections, implying 'completeness' or 'going around.' The kanji 期 (ki) combines 'sieve/basket' and 'moon,' originally referring to a month or a set time based on the moon's phases.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The time it takes for the moon to complete its circuit.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

When discussing 'menstrual cycles' (生理周期), be mindful of the social context as it can be a private topic, though the word itself is medical and neutral.

In English, 'period' can also mean a dot at the end of a sentence or a school class. In Japanese, 周期 is strictly for repeating time intervals.

The Periodic Table (周期律表) is a staple of Japanese high school education. NHK documentaries often use '周期' when discussing space or nature. Japanese skincare ads frequently mention the 28-day 'turnover cycle' (ターンオーバーの周期).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Health and Medicine

  • 生理の周期
  • 睡眠の周期
  • 心拍の周期
  • 薬の服用周期

Science and Nature

  • 月の満ち欠けの周期
  • 太陽の活動周期
  • 振り子の周期
  • 元素の周期律

Business and Economics

  • 景気周期
  • 製品の買い替え周期
  • 在庫の回転周期
  • 支払周期

Technology

  • アップデートの周期
  • バックアップの周期
  • CPUの動作周期
  • メンテナンスの周期

Daily Life

  • 掃除の周期
  • 美容院に行く周期
  • ゴミ出しの周期
  • 洗濯の周期

Gesprächseinstiege

"睡眠の周期を整えるために、何かしていることはありますか? (Do you do anything to regulate your sleep cycle?)"

"最近、スマホの買い替え周期が長くなっていると思いませんか? (Don't you think the replacement cycle for smartphones is getting longer lately?)"

"あなたの仕事では、忙しい時期の周期はありますか? (In your work, is there a cycle of busy periods?)"

"ファッションの流行の周期についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about the cycle of fashion trends?)"

"この地域のゴミ出しの周期を教えていただけますか? (Could you tell me the garbage collection cycle for this area?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

自分の生活の周期(ルーティン)を書き出してみましょう。 (Write out your lifestyle cycles/routines.)

最近、自分の周りで「周期的に繰り返されている」と感じることはありますか? (Is there anything around you lately that you feel is repeating periodically?)

理想的な睡眠周期について考えてみてください。 (Think about your ideal sleep cycle.)

歴史の周期について、自分の意見を書いてみましょう。 (Write your opinion on the cycles of history.)

一年の周期の中で、一番好きな時期とその理由を書いてください。 (Write about your favorite time in the one-year cycle and why.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 周期 implies repetition. For a one-time event, use 期間 (kikan) for the duration or 日時 (nichiji) for the date and time.

Yes, you can talk about the 周期 of the seasons, although people usually just say 四季 (shiki) or 一年 (ichinen).

The most common way is to add '的に' to the end: 周期的に (shuuki-teki ni).

周期 is more formal and used in science/news. サイクル is more casual and common in marketing or daily life.

No, it is a noun. You must use it with a verb like 繰り返す (repeat) or 持つ (have).

Yes, '生理周期' (seiri shuuki) is the standard medical and polite term for the menstrual cycle.

It is the Japanese name for the Periodic Table of Elements in chemistry.

Yes, it can refer to the period of a sound wave or a rhythmic cycle in a composition.

Use '不規則な周期' (fukisoku na shuuki). This is common when talking about sleep or biological functions.

Technically no. In physics, they are inverses. However, in casual English, people sometimes use 'period' and 'frequency' loosely. In Japanese, keep them separate: 周期 (period) vs 頻度/周波数 (frequency).

Teste dich selbst 192 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using '周期' to describe your sleep habits.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The moon's cycle is about 28 days.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '周期的に' in a sentence about a machine.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe an 'irregular cycle' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Periodic Table' in kanji.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The business cycle influences the economy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '一定の周期で' to describe a sound.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about the seasons using '周期'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I want to fix my lifestyle cycle.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain the difference between 周期 and 期間 in one sentence (Japanese).

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writing

Write: 'short cycle' and 'long cycle' in Japanese.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Measure the period of the wave.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '周期' in a sentence about a comet.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'turnover cycle' of skin.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'History repeats similar cycles.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '周期' in a sentence about a traffic light.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Biological clock' using '周期'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'inventory turnover cycle'.

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writing

Translate: 'The update cycle of this software is fast.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a 'harmonic period' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce '周期' correctly. Focus on the long 'uu'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Sleep cycle' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'At a fixed cycle' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The cycle is disrupted' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Periodically' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Business cycle' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Periodic table' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Short cycle' and 'Long cycle' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The cycle of the moon' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'History repeats cycles' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask: 'What is the update cycle?' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Regulate the cycle' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Vibration period' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Inventory turnover cycle' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Circadian rhythm (24-hour cycle)' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The cycle changed' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Life cycle' (using shuuki) in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Measure the period' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Irregular cycle' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Periodic maintenance' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the word: 'Shuuki'. What does it mean?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

If you hear 'Suimin no shuuki', what is being discussed?

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listening

If you hear 'Shuuki-teki ni', is the action happening once or repeatedly?

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listening

Identify the word: 'Keiki shuuki'.

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listening

If someone says 'Shuuki ga midareru', is that good or bad?

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listening

Identify the word: 'Shuuki ritsu hyou'.

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listening

If a cycle is 'mijikai', is it happening often or rarely?

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listening

Identify the word: 'Tsuki no shuuki'.

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listening

If you hear 'Ittei no shuuki de', what is the manner of action?

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listening

Identify the word: 'Seiri shuuki'.

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listening

If someone says 'Shuuki o totonoeru', what are they doing?

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listening

Identify the word: 'Koushin shuuki'.

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listening

If you hear 'Shindou shuuki', what is the context?

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listening

Identify the word: 'Shuuki-sei'.

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listening

If you hear 'Fukisoku na shuuki', is the pattern steady?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

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