後期
後期 en 30 segundos
- 後期 (kouki) means 'later period' or 'second half.'
- Primarily used for school semesters starting in October.
- Used in history to describe the late stage of an era (e.g., late Edo).
- Distinguished from 'kouhan' which is for general halves (movies, games).
The Japanese word 後期 (こうき - kōki) is a fundamental noun that translates most directly to the 'later period,' 'second half,' or 'latter term.' It is composed of two kanji characters: 後 (after/behind) and 期 (period/time). This word is ubiquitous in Japanese society because it provides a structured way to divide time into two distinct segments, typically following a zenki (前期 - first half/term). Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating the Japanese education system, corporate world, or historical literature.
- Academic Context
- In Japanese schools and universities, the academic year is usually split into two semesters. The second semester, which typically begins in late September or October and ends in February or March, is universally referred to as 後期. Students will often discuss their kouki-kamoku (second-semester subjects) or prepare for kouki-shiken (final exams of the second term).
大学の後期は十月から始まります。 (The second semester of university starts in October.)
Beyond school, the word takes on a historical and geological significance. When discussing the Edo period, historians might refer to Edo-jidai kouki (the late Edo period) to describe the years leading up to the Meiji Restoration. In geology, it denotes the later part of an era, such as the Late Cretaceous. It carries a sense of maturity, conclusion, or the final phase of a chronological progression. Unlike the more casual ato-han (latter half), 後期 sounds official and precise.
- Social Context
- In contemporary Japan, you will also encounter the term kouki-koureisha (後期高齢者), referring to individuals aged 75 and older. This is a specific administrative category within the healthcare system, distinguishing them from the 'early-stage' elderly (65-74). This highlights how the word is used to segment human life stages for policy and medical purposes.
彼は江戸時代後期の有名な画家です。 (He is a famous painter from the late Edo period.)
In summary, use 後期 whenever you need to denote the second of two parts in a formal time frame. It is less about 'the end' in a final sense and more about the 'second stage' of a two-part structure. Whether you are talking about the second half of a soccer match (though kouhan is more common there) or the second half of a project, 後期 provides a layer of professional and chronological clarity that is indispensable in high-level Japanese communication.
Using 後期 (こうき) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that often functions as a modifier. Most frequently, it is linked to another noun using the particle no (の), or it stands alone as the subject of a sentence when the context of the 'period' is already established. It acts as a temporal anchor, signaling to the listener that we are focusing on the latter portion of a previously defined timeline.
- The 'No' Construction
- The most common pattern is [Time Period/Event] + [no] + [後期]. For example, jugyou no kouki (the later part of the class) or seiki no kouki (the late part of the century). This construction allows you to specify exactly which 'whole' you are dividing.
奈良時代後期の文化について学びました。 (I learned about the culture of the late Nara period.)
When used in the academic world, it often appears as a prefix to administrative nouns. You will see terms like 後期課程 (kouki katei - latter course/doctoral program) or 後期選抜 (kouki senbatsu - second-round selection/exams). In these cases, the 'no' is often dropped to create a compound noun, which is a hallmark of formal Japanese documentation.
- Temporal Adverbial Use
- You can use 後期に (kouki ni) to indicate that something happens during that later period. For instance, Kouki ni haitte kara, isogashiku natta (It became busy after entering the second half/semester). Here, the particle 'ni' marks the time when the change or action occurs.
後期の履修登録を忘れないでください。 (Please do not forget the course registration for the second semester.)
In business, 後期 is often used in contrast with zenki to compare performance. A manager might say, Kouki no mokuhyou wa zenki yori takai (The second-half goals are higher than the first half's). This usage is very standard in quarterly or bi-annual reviews. It provides a formal structure to progress reports, making it a key vocabulary item for the JLPT and professional Japanese proficiency.
The word 後期 (こうき) is a staple of the public sphere in Japan. You won't typically hear it in a casual chat about what someone did yesterday, but you will hear it the moment the conversation turns to schedules, history, or formal systems. It is a word that signals a shift from the immediate and personal to the structured and organized.
- On University Campuses
- If you are a student in Japan, you will hear 後期 every single day. Professors will announce, 'This will be covered in kouki,' or student offices will post signs about kouki-jugyou-ryou (second-semester tuition). It is the heartbeat of the academic calendar, marking the long stretch from autumn through the cold winter months until the end of the school year in March.
レポートの締め切りは後期の最後です。 (The report deadline is at the end of the second semester.)
Television news and documentaries are another prime location for this word. When a news anchor discusses the national budget, they might mention the kouki allocation. Historical documentaries about the Samurai era or the Showa period frequently use 後期 to categorize specific cultural shifts or political movements that happened as those eras were maturing or nearing their end. It provides the necessary granularity for serious discussion.
- In the Healthcare System
- Japan's aging population means that the term kouki-koureisha is frequently in the news. You will hear it in discussions about insurance premiums (hoken-ryou) and medical care for the elderly. For a learner living in Japan, this is a word you'll see on government forms and health insurance cards, making it vital for daily administrative life.
白亜紀後期には、巨大な恐竜が生存していました。 (In the Late Cretaceous, giant dinosaurs existed.)
Finally, in the arts and literature, 後期 describes an artist's 'late period.' You might hear a curator at a Tokyo museum talk about 'Picasso's late period' using this term. It implies a certain style or evolution that differs from their early (shoki) or middle (chuuki) work. It is a word of classification that brings order to the complex flow of time and human achievement.
While 後期 (こうき) seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble by overusing it or confusing it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. The most common pitfall is failing to distinguish between 'the second half' of a *duration* versus 'the second half' of a *physical thing* or a *short event*.
- Confusing 'Kouki' and 'Kouhan'
- This is the #1 mistake. 後期 (Kouki) is for formal periods, academic terms, and historical eras. 後半 (Kouhan) is for the second half of a movie, a book, a game, or a specific year. You wouldn't say 'the second half of the movie' using 'kouki'; that would sound like the movie is a multi-month academic semester! Use 'kouhan' for the second half of '2023,' but 'kouki' for the second half of the 'fiscal year.'
❌ 映画の後期は感動的でした。 (The late period of the movie was moving.)
✅ 映画の後半は感動的でした。 (The second half of the movie was moving.)
Another mistake is using 後期 to mean 'later' in a general, adverbial sense, like 'I'll do it later.' For that, you must use ato de or nochi ni. 後期 is a noun that names a specific segment of time; it is not a functional adverb that describes when an action will happen relative to now. It defines *where* in a schedule something sits, not *when* you will get around to it.
- Misunderstanding the Academic Cycle
- English speakers often assume 'Kouki' starts in January because that's the 'second half' of a calendar year. However, in the Japanese school system, 後期 usually starts in late September or October. Using the word without realizing it refers to the specific Japanese academic calendar can lead to scheduling confusion with Japanese teachers or classmates.
❌ 後期に会いましょう (See you 'later' - meaning later today).
✅ 後で会いましょう (See you later).
Finally, be careful with the kanji. 後期 (later period) is pronounced 'kouki,' but so is 好機 (good opportunity) and 工期 (construction period). While context usually makes it clear, in written Japanese, using the wrong kanji will completely change the meaning of your sentence. Always double-check that you have chosen 'after' (後) and 'period' (期).
To truly master 後期 (こうき), you need to know how it stacks up against its synonyms and related terms. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for dividing time, and choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a business quarter, a sports game, or a historical epoch.
- 後期 vs. 後半 (Kouhan)
- 後期 is 'The Latter Period.' It refers to a formal division of a long duration (semesters, eras). 後半 is 'The Second Half.' It is more general and can refer to the second half of a 90-minute movie, the second half of the 20th century, or the second half of a book. If it's a discrete unit being split in two, kouhan is the safer, more common bet.
- 後期 vs. 下半期 (Shimohanki)
- 下半期 (しもはんき) is specifically used in business and economics to mean 'the second half of the fiscal year.' While you *can* use kouki in business, shimohanki is the more technical term found in financial news and corporate accounting. Its counterpart is kamihanki (上半期 - first half of the fiscal year).
このプロジェクトは下半期に実施されます。 (This project will be implemented in the second half of the fiscal year.)
Another related term is 晩年 (bannen), which refers specifically to a person's 'later years' or 'twilight years.' While kouki can describe an artist's late period of work, bannen describes the actual final years of their life. If you are talking about someone's retirement and old age in a personal sense, bannen is more appropriate than kouki.
- 後期 vs. 末期 (Makki)
- 末期 (まっき) means 'the terminal stage' or 'the very end.' It is much more extreme than kouki. For example, Edo-jidai kouki is the late Edo period (a long span), but Edo-bakufu makki (often shortened to Bakumatsu) refers to the chaotic final years just before the collapse. Makki often carries a nuance of decline or impending end.
癌の末期症状。 (Terminal symptoms of cancer.) — Note: Never use 'kouki' for medical terminal stages.
In summary, 後期 is the formal, standard way to say 'latter period' when a duration is clearly split into two or three parts. It is more formal than kouhan, more academic than ato, and less dire than makki. Mastering these nuances will make your Japanese sound sophisticated and precise.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The kanji '期' originally depicted a basket and a moon, representing the monthly cycle and thus a 'period' of time.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing it as 'koki' with a short 'o'. It must be 'kouki' (long o).
- Confusing the pitch with 'koki' (old/ancient).
- Stress on the 'ki' which makes it sound unnatural.
- Mumbling the 'u' sound; it should be a distinct elongation of the 'o'.
- Pronouncing 'ki' like 'kai'.
Nivel de dificultad
Kanji are common but require knowing the 'kou' and 'ki' readings.
Writing '期' correctly requires attention to stroke order and the moon radical.
Easy to pronounce; two simple syllables.
Must distinguish from homophones like '好機' (opportunity).
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Noun + の + 後期
大学の後期 (The university's second semester)
Period Name + 後期
江戸後期 (Late Edo)
後期 + に (Time Marker)
後期にテストがあります。(There is a test in the second semester.)
後期 + から (Starting Point)
後期から忙しくなります。(It will get busy from the second semester.)
後期 + まで (Endpoint)
後期まで待ちましょう。(Let's wait until the second semester.)
Ejemplos por nivel
後期は十月から始まります。
The second semester starts in October.
後期 (noun) + は (topic marker) + 十月 (October) + から (from) + 始まります (starts).
後期のテストは難しいです。
The second-semester tests are difficult.
後期の (second semester's) + テスト (tests) + は (topic) + 難しい (difficult).
これは後期の教科書です。
This is the textbook for the second semester.
これ (this) + は (is) + 後期の (second semester's) + 教科書 (textbook).
後期に新しいクラスがあります。
There is a new class in the second semester.
後期に (in the second semester) + 新しい (new) + クラス (class) + があります (there is).
後期の休みはいつですか?
When is the second-semester break?
後期の (second semester's) + 休み (holiday) + は (topic) + いつ (when) + ですか (is it)?
後期も頑張りましょう。
Let's do our best in the second semester too.
後期 (second semester) + も (also) + 頑張りましょう (let's do our best).
大学の後期は忙しいです。
The second semester of university is busy.
大学の (university's) + 後期 (second semester) + は (topic) + 忙しい (busy).
後期は月曜日が休みです。
In the second semester, Mondays are off.
後期 (second semester) + は (topic) + 月曜日 (Monday) + が (subject) + 休み (off/holiday).
来週から後期の授業が始まります。
Second-semester classes start next week.
来週から (from next week) + 後期の (second semester's) + 授業 (classes).
後期のスケジュールを確認してください。
Please check the second-semester schedule.
後期の (second semester's) + スケジュール (schedule) + を (object) + 確認してください (please check).
後期の目標を決めました。
I have decided on my goals for the second half.
後期の (second half's) + 目標 (goals) + を (object) + 決めました (decided).
前期より後期の方が大変です。
The second half is harder than the first half.
前期より (than the first half) + 後期の方 (the second half side) + が (subject) + 大変 (hard/tough).
後期の学費を払いました。
I paid the tuition for the second semester.
後期の (second semester's) + 学費 (tuition) + を (object) + 払いました (paid).
後期のイベントに参加しますか?
Will you participate in the second-semester events?
後期の (second semester's) + イベント (event) + に (in) + 参加しますか (will you participate)?
彼は後期のリーダーに選ばれました。
He was chosen as the leader for the second half.
彼 (he) + は (topic) + 後期の (second half's) + リーダー (leader) + に (as) + 選ばれました (was chosen).
後期の成績は良かったです。
My grades for the second semester were good.
後期の (second semester's) + 成績 (grades) + は (topic) + 良かったです (were good).
江戸時代後期には多くの変化がありました。
There were many changes in the late Edo period.
江戸時代後期 (late Edo period) + には (in) + 多くの (many) + 変化 (changes).
後期高齢者医療制度について調べました。
I looked into the medical system for the late-stage elderly.
後期高齢者 (late-stage elderly) + 医療制度 (medical system) + について (about).
このドラマは物語の後期に盛り上がります。
This drama picks up in the later part of the story.
物語の (story's) + 後期 (later part) + に (in) + 盛り上がります (gets exciting).
後期日程の試験を受けることにしました。
I decided to take the second-round (latter schedule) exam.
後期日程 (latter schedule) + の (of) + 試験 (exam) + を (object) + 受ける (take).
明治時代の後期に工業化が進みました。
Industrialization progressed in the late Meiji period.
明治時代の後期 (late Meiji period) + に (in) + 工業化 (industrialization) + が (subject) + 進みました (progressed).
プロジェクトは現在、後期段階に入っています。
The project is currently in its late stage.
プロジェクト (project) + は (topic) + 現在 (currently) + 後期段階 (late stage) + に (in) + 入っています (has entered).
後期の募集は締め切られました。
Recruitment for the second half has been closed.
後期の (second half's) + 募集 (recruitment) + は (topic) + 締め切られました (was closed).
彼は作家としての後期に名作を残しました。
He left masterpieces in his late period as a writer.
作家としての (as a writer) + 後期 (late period) + に (in) + 名作 (masterpieces) + を (object) + 残しました (left).
大学院の後期課程に進学する予定です。
I plan to proceed to the latter course (doctoral program) of graduate school.
大学院 (graduate school) + の (of) + 後期課程 (latter course/PhD program).
白亜紀後期に恐竜が絶滅したと言われています。
It is said that dinosaurs went extinct in the Late Cretaceous.
白亜紀後期 (Late Cretaceous) + に (in) + 恐竜 (dinosaurs) + が (subject) + 絶滅した (went extinct).
この政策は昭和後期の経済成長を支えました。
This policy supported economic growth in the late Showa period.
昭和後期 (late Showa) + の (of) + 経済成長 (economic growth) + を (object) + 支えました (supported).
後期の売上予測は非常に楽観的です。
The sales forecast for the second half is very optimistic.
後期の (second half's) + 売上予測 (sales forecast) + は (topic) + 非常に (very) + 楽観的 (optimistic).
彼はルネサンス後期の美術に精通している。
He is well-versed in Late Renaissance art.
ルネサンス後期 (Late Renaissance) + の (of) + 美術 (art) + に (in) + 精通している (is well-versed).
後期の予算配分が見直されることになった。
The budget allocation for the second half was decided to be reviewed.
後期の (second half's) + 予算配分 (budget allocation) + が (subject) + 見直される (be reviewed).
この遺跡は弥生時代後期のものと推定されます。
This ruin is estimated to be from the late Yayoi period.
弥生時代後期 (late Yayoi period) + のもの (thing of) + と (as) + 推定されます (is estimated).
後期臨床研修医として病院で働いています。
I am working at the hospital as a late-stage clinical resident.
後期臨床研修医 (late-stage clinical resident) + として (as).
ベートーヴェンの後期弦楽四重奏曲は革新的だ。
Beethoven's late string quartets are innovative.
後期弦楽四重奏曲 (late string quartets) - compound noun.
その哲学者の後期思想は、初期とは大きく異なる。
The philosopher's late thought differs greatly from his early thought.
後期思想 (late thought) + は (topic) + 初期 (early period) + とは (from) + 異なる (differs).
氷河期後期の人類の移動ルートを追跡する。
We track the migration routes of humans in the late Ice Age.
氷河期後期 (late Ice Age) + の (of) + 人類の移動ルート (human migration routes).
後期資本主義における文化の論理を考察する。
We analyze the logic of culture in late capitalism.
後期資本主義 (late capitalism) + における (in/at) + 文化の論理 (logic of culture).
徳川幕府後期の政治的動乱は避けられなかった。
The political turmoil of the late Tokugawa Shogunate was unavoidable.
徳川幕府後期 (late Tokugawa Shogunate) + の (of) + 政治的動乱 (political turmoil).
この論文は、平安後期の和歌の変容を論じている。
This paper discusses the transformation of Waka poetry in the late Heian period.
平安後期 (late Heian) + の (of) + 和歌の変容 (transformation of Waka).
後期の開発フェーズでは、バグ修正が優先される。
In the late development phase, bug fixes take priority.
後期の (late) + 開発フェーズ (development phase) + では (in).
後期モダニズム建築の特徴がこのビルによく表れている。
The characteristics of late modernist architecture are well represented in this building.
後期モダニズム建築 (late modernist architecture) + の (of) + 特徴 (characteristics).
後期ウィトゲンシュタインの言語ゲーム論を再考する。
Reconsidering the language-game theory of the later Wittgenstein.
後期ウィトゲンシュタイン (later Wittgenstein) - refers to his later philosophical period.
白亜紀後期のセノマニアン階における海進現象。
The marine transgression during the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous.
白亜紀後期 (Late Cretaceous) + の (of) + セノマニアン階 (Cenomanian stage).
後期中世ヨーロッパにおける都市国家の台頭。
The rise of city-states in late medieval Europe.
後期中世ヨーロッパ (late medieval Europe) + における (in).
後期バロック音楽に見られる対位法の極致。
The pinnacle of counterpoint seen in late Baroque music.
後期バロック音楽 (late Baroque music) + に (in) + 見られる (seen).
後期ヘレニズム時代の彫刻に宿る写実主義。
The realism residing in sculptures of the late Hellenistic period.
後期ヘレニズム時代 (late Hellenistic period) + の (of) + 彫刻 (sculpture).
後期印象派の画家たちは、光よりも形態を重視した。
Post-Impressionist (late Impressionist) painters emphasized form over light.
後期印象派 (Post-Impressionism/Late Impressionism) + の (of) + 画家たち (painters).
後期旧石器時代の石器製作技術の高度化。
The advancement of stone tool manufacturing techniques in the Upper (Late) Paleolithic.
後期旧石器時代 (Upper/Late Paleolithic) + の (of) + 石器製作技術 (stone tool making tech).
後期ロマン主義の文学における主観性の深化。
The deepening of subjectivity in late Romantic literature.
後期ロマン主義 (late Romanticism) + の (of) + 文学 (literature).
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— Second-semester classes. Used by students to refer to their autumn/winter schedule.
後期の授業は面白いものが多い。
— Second-semester grades. Refers to the final evaluation of the academic year.
後期の成績が届きました。
— Goals for the second half. Common in self-improvement or business settings.
後期の目標を立てました。
— The portion for the second half. Used for payments or distributions.
後期の分の学費を振り込む。
— To enter the second half/period. Indicates a shift in time.
十月になり、いよいよ後期に入った。
— Activities of the second half. Used by clubs or organizations.
サークルの後期の活動予定。
— Plan for the second half. Used in project management.
後期の計画を練り直す。
— Allocation for the second half. Used for work or chores.
掃除の後期の分担を決める。
— Expectations for the second half.
新チームの後期への期待が高まる。
— Results of the second half.
後期の結果を分析する。
Se confunde a menudo con
Kouhan is for general halves (soccer, movies). Kouki is for formal terms (semesters, eras).
Shimohanki is specifically for the second half of a fiscal year in business.
Gojitsu means 'at a later date.' Kouki is the entire later period/semester.
Modismos y expresiones
— Technically a noun, but functions as a fixed socio-political term for those 75+.
後期高齢者の医療費負担が増える。
Formal— Standard term for the final 3 years of a PhD program in Japan.
彼は現在、博士課程後期二年です。
Academic— The second round of entrance exams for high schools or universities.
後期選抜で合格を目指す。
Academic— Scientific fixed term for the Late Cretaceous period.
白亜紀後期は恐竜の黄金時代だった。
Scientific— A standard historical shorthand for the late Edo period (roughly 1780-1867).
江戸後期の浮世絵師、葛飾北斎。
Historical— Refers to the late Middle Ages in European or Asian contexts.
後期中世の封建制度の変化。
Academic— Refers to the late Romantic composers like Mahler or Strauss.
後期ロマン派の交響曲は壮大だ。
Artistic— The final stage of Baroque music (e.g., Bach, Handel).
後期バロックの対位法技術。
Artistic— The specialized training period for doctors after their initial 2-year residency.
彼は外科で後期研修を受けている。
Medical— The Upper Paleolithic period in archaeology.
後期旧石器時代の洞窟壁画。
ScientificFácil de confundir
Homophone (same pronunciation).
'後期' is later period, '好機' is a good opportunity. Context usually clarifies, but kanji are different.
これは絶好の好機だ。(This is a perfect opportunity.)
Homophone (same pronunciation).
'光輝' means brightness or splendor. It is a very rare, literary word.
光輝ある歴史。(A glorious history.)
Homophone (same pronunciation).
'工期' refers to the construction period/time needed for a build.
工期が遅れている。(The construction period is delayed.)
Homophone (same pronunciation).
'高貴' means noble or high-class.
高貴な身分の方。(A person of noble status.)
Homophone (same pronunciation).
'綱紀' refers to official discipline or order (usually in government).
綱紀を粛正する。(To enforce official discipline.)
Patrones de oraciones
[Time] + は後期です。
十月からは後期です。
後期の + [Noun] + は [Adjective] です。
後期の授業は大変です。
[Era] + 後期に + [Event] + が起きた。
江戸後期に飢饉が起きた。
後期 + [Compound Noun] + を受ける。
後期臨床研修を受ける。
後期の + [Abstract Noun] + を考察する。
後期の思想を考察する。
[Scientific Term] + 後期 + における + [Phenomenon]。
白亜紀後期における海進現象。
後期は [Time] からです。
後期は九月末からです。
後期に [Noun] があります。
後期に大きな休みがあります。
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Extremely high in academic, historical, and administrative contexts.
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Using 'kouki' for 'later' as an adverb.
→
後で (ato de) or 後ほど (nochihodo).
'Kouki' is a noun for a time block, not an adverb for 'at a later time.'
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Using 'kouki' for the second half of a game.
→
後半 (kouhan).
Sports games are divided into 'zenpan' and 'kouhan,' not 'zenki' and 'kouki.'
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Confusing 'kouki' with 'koki' (古希).
→
後期 (kouki).
'Koki' refers to a 70th birthday celebration. 'Kouki' has a long 'o'.
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Using 'kouki' for the end of a month.
→
下旬 (gejun).
Months are divided into 'joujun,' 'chuujun,' and 'gejun.' 'Kouki' is too large a term.
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Writing '後記' instead of '後期'.
→
後期.
'後記' (kouki) means a postscript or afterword in a book. It sounds the same but means something else.
Consejos
School Life
Always use 'kouki' for the second semester. It is the standard term on every Japanese campus.
Pairing
Learn 'zenki' and 'kouki' together. They are a set pair, like 'A' and 'B' sides of a tape.
Writing Tip
The kanji '後' is also used in 'ushiro' (behind). The kanji '期' is also used in 'gakki' (semester).
Professionalism
Use 'kouki' in project timelines to sound organized and precise.
History
When you see 'Era + 後期', it usually means the 50-100 years before that era ended.
Dinosaur Talk
If you like dinosaurs, you'll see 'kouki' a lot in museum exhibits (e.g., Late Jurassic).
Long O
Make sure to stretch the 'o' sound. 'Koki' (short) sounds like 'old' or 'ancient' instead of 'later period.'
Kouki vs Kouhan
If it has a fixed start and end date (like a semester), use 'kouki.' If it's just 'the back half,' use 'kouhan.'
Forms
Look for '後期' on tuition bills and insurance documents in Japan.
Memory Hack
Kouki = 'K'oming 'O'ut 'U'ltimately (at the end) 'K'ey 'I'nterval.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'Kou' as 'Go' (after) and 'Ki' as 'Key' (the key period). So, 'Kouki' is the 'Go-after period.'
Asociación visual
Imagine a calendar split in two. The first half is bright (Zenki), the second half (Kouki) has autumn leaves falling on it because the second semester starts in autumn.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to label your school or work calendar using 'Zenki' and 'Kouki' for one week to get used to the division.
Origen de la palabra
The word is a Sino-Japanese (kango) compound. '後' (kou/nochi) comes from the Old Chinese character meaning 'behind' or 'after.' '期' (ki) comes from the character meaning 'a set time' or 'period.'
Significado original: A designated period of time that occurs later in a sequence.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Contexto cultural
Be careful when using 'Kouki-koureisha' (late-stage elderly) in conversation; it is an official administrative term and can sometimes sound cold or clinical when referring to individuals.
English speakers usually say 'second semester' or 'latter half.' The term 'late stage' is used similarly in academic or medical contexts.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
University Life
- 後期の履修登録
- 後期の試験期間
- 後期の教科書
- 後期の単位
History Class
- 江戸時代後期
- 明治後期
- 平安時代後期
- 昭和後期
Business Reporting
- 後期の売上目標
- 後期のプロジェクト計画
- 後期の予算
- 後期の戦略
Science/Paleontology
- 白亜紀後期
- ジュラ紀後期
- 氷河期後期
- 石炭紀後期
Healthcare
- 後期高齢者
- 後期高齢者医療
- 後期研修医
- 後期症状
Inicios de conversación
"後期の授業のスケジュール、もう決まった? (Have you decided your second-semester class schedule yet?)"
"江戸時代後期で一番好きな歴史上の人物は誰? (Who is your favorite historical figure from the late Edo period?)"
"後期の目標は何にするつもり? (What are you planning to make your goal for the second half?)"
"大学の後期試験、いつから始まるか知ってる? (Do you know when the university's second-semester exams start?)"
"仕事の後期の予算、もうチェックした? (Have you checked the budget for the second half of work yet?)"
Temas para diario
前期の反省を活かして、後期に達成したいことを三つ書いてください。(Reflecting on the first half, write three things you want to achieve in the second half.)
好きな歴史の時代について、特にその後期に何が起きたか説明してください。(Explain what happened in the later period of a historical era you like.)
後期の授業や仕事で、一番楽しみにしていることは何ですか? (What are you looking forward to most in your second-semester classes or work?)
「後期高齢者」という言葉について、日本の社会でどう感じますか? (How do you feel about the term 'late-stage elderly' in Japanese society?)
自分の人生を「初期・中期・後期」に分けるとしたら、今はどこですか? (If you divided your life into early, middle, and late stages, where are you now?)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, you should use 'kouhan' (後半) for movies. 'Kouki' sounds like the movie is a semester-long course. 'Kouhan' is the standard word for the second half of stories, films, and games.
In most Japanese universities, 'kouki' (the second semester) starts in late September or early October. This follows the summer break after the first semester (zenki).
It is a neutral to formal word. You use it in official schedules, history books, and news reports. For a casual 'later,' you would use 'ato de' or 'nochi ni.'
It refers to the 'late-stage elderly,' specifically people aged 75 and older in Japan. It is an official category for the national healthcare and insurance system.
It is written as 後期. '後' means after/behind, and '期' means period/term. Be careful with the strokes in '期'.
It can be used to describe an artist's 'late period' of work (kouki no saku), but for a person's actual life, 'bannen' (晩年) is more common.
The direct opposite is 'zenki' (前期), which means 'first half' or 'first semester.' For historical eras, 'shoki' (初期 - early period) is also common.
Yes, but 'shimohanki' (下半期) is more common for the second half of the fiscal year. 'Kouki' might be used for the second half of a long-term project.
No, in this context, it is always 'kouki.' However, many other words are also pronounced 'kouki,' so check the kanji.
No, for the last 10 days of a month, use 'gejun' (下旬). For a general split of the month, 'kouhan' is better. 'Kouki' is for longer durations.
Ponte a prueba 191 preguntas
Translate to Japanese: 'The second semester starts in October.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'I have a test in the second semester.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The late Edo period was interesting.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'kouki' in kanji.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Second-semester classes are difficult.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Please check the second-semester schedule.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'He is a student in the doctoral program (latter course).'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Dinosaurs lived in the Late Cretaceous.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The second half of the project is busy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'I paid the second-semester tuition.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Let's do our best in the second semester too.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The late Meiji period saw many changes.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'My grades for the second semester were good.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The medical system for the late-stage elderly.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'This is a work from the artist's late period.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The second semester of university is fun.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Is there a new student in the second semester?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The latter schedule for exams.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'I want to study the late Heian period.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The second-semester deadline is soon.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How do you say 'second semester' in Japanese?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Explain when the 'kouki' semester usually starts in Japan.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'The second-semester exams are in February.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'I am studying the late Edo period.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Let's work hard in the second semester too.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask a classmate: 'What classes are you taking in the second semester?'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'This is a painting from the late Meiji period.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'The goals for the second half are very high.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'I want to enter the doctoral program (latter course).'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Late capitalism is a complex topic.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'The second-semester tuition payment is due today.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Dinosaurs went extinct in the Late Cretaceous.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'The schedule for the second half has changed.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'I prefer the artist's late period works.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Is the late-stage elderly medical system expensive?'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'The project enters its late stage next month.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'We have more homework in the second semester.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'He became famous in his late period.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'The second-semester textbook is very thick.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'When is the deadline for the second half?'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen and identify the word: 'Kouki'
Listen to the sentence: 'Kouki wa isogashii desu.' What does it mean?
Listen to the phrase: 'Edo-jidai kouki.' What time period is this?
Listen to the phrase: 'Kouki shiken.' What does it mean?
Listen to the phrase: 'Kouki koureisha.' Who does this refer to?
Listen and identify the difference: 'Kouki' vs 'Zenki'.
Listen to the sentence: 'Kouki katei ni susumu.' What is the person doing?
Listen to the sentence: 'Hakuaki kouki no chiso.' What is being discussed?
Listen to the sentence: 'Kouki no gakufu o harau.' What is the person paying?
Listen to the sentence: 'Kouki no mokuhyou o tateru.' What is the person doing?
Listen to the sentence: 'Meiji kouki no bungaku.' What is being studied?
Listen to the sentence: 'Kouki nittei de ukeru.' What is the person taking?
Listen to the sentence: 'Kouki inshouha no tenrankai.' Where is the person going?
Listen to the sentence: 'Kouki mo ganbarou.' What is the speaker's tone?
Listen and choose: 'Kouki' or 'Kouhan'. (Context: School semester)
/ 191 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
後期 (kouki) is your go-to word for 'second semester' or 'late period.' If you are a student in Japan, you will live by this word. Example: 後期の試験 (second-semester exams).
- 後期 (kouki) means 'later period' or 'second half.'
- Primarily used for school semesters starting in October.
- Used in history to describe the late stage of an era (e.g., late Edo).
- Distinguished from 'kouhan' which is for general halves (movies, games).
School Life
Always use 'kouki' for the second semester. It is the standard term on every Japanese campus.
Pairing
Learn 'zenki' and 'kouki' together. They are a set pair, like 'A' and 'B' sides of a tape.
Writing Tip
The kanji '後' is also used in 'ushiro' (behind). The kanji '期' is also used in 'gakki' (semester).
Professionalism
Use 'kouki' in project timelines to sound organized and precise.
Ejemplo
後期高齢者です。