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延期する

B1 verb #4,500 most common 7 min read

延期する

enki suru Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 延期する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 延期する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might find '延期する' (enki suru) a bit difficult because it uses two kanji and is a formal word. However, you can think of it as the 'grown-up' version of saying 'not today, but another day.' When you are just starting, you usually learn 'yasumi' (holiday/rest) or 'atode' (later). 'Enki suru' is what you will see on posters if a festival is not happening because of rain. You don't need to use it in your own speech yet, but if you see the kanji 延 (long) and 期 (time), remember it means the plan has moved to a later time. It is a 'Suru-verb,' which is the easiest type of verb to conjugate. You just change 'suru' to 'shimasu' to be polite. For example, 'Enki shimasu' means 'I will postpone.'

At the A2 level, you should begin to recognize '延期する' in public announcements. You might hear it at a train station or see it on a website. It is important to know that this word is for *schedules*. If you are late for a meeting, you don't say 'enki.' You say 'osoku narimashita.' But if you want to tell your teacher, 'Can we move the test to tomorrow?', you are talking about 'enki.' A simple way to use it is: [Event] + を + [Time] + に + 延期する. For example: 'Shiken o ashita ni enki shimasu' (I will postpone the exam to tomorrow). You will also see 'enki ni naru,' which means 'it has been postponed' (someone else decided it). This is a very common phrase in Japan.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '延期する' correctly in business and formal social situations. This is the 'standard' word for postponing. You should understand the difference between 'enki' and 'chuushi' (cancellation). If a project is 'enki,' the work continues later. If it is 'chuushi,' the work stops. You should also be comfortable with the passive form 'enki sareru.' For example, 'Shiai wa enki saremashita' (The match was postponed). At this level, you can also start using it with specific durations, like 'isshuukan enki suru' (postpone for one week). It’s a key word for managing your schedule and explaining changes to your plans to colleagues or friends in a clear, unambiguous way.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '延期する' with more complex grammar and understand its nuances compared to synonyms like 'sakiokuri' or 'miawaseru.' You will encounter this word in news articles about government policy or economic changes. You should be able to use formal humble or honorific forms, such as 'enki sasete itadakimasu' when you are the one requesting a delay in a professional setting. You should also recognize the noun form 'enki' used in compound words like 'mukin'enki' (indefinite postponement). Your ability to distinguish between 'enki' (formal postponement) and 'nobasu' (casual/general lengthening) should be sharp, allowing you to match your register to the situation perfectly.

At the C1 level, '延期する' is a basic building block for discussing complex logistical and strategic delays. You will understand its use in legal contexts, such as 'shikkou enki' (postponement of execution/action), although 'yuuyo' is more common there. You should be able to discuss the socio-economic impact of major postponements, such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. You will also notice how the word is used rhetorically in literature or high-level editorials to describe the 'deferment' of dreams or social progress. At this level, your focus is on the sophisticated application of the word in nuanced debates, ensuring that you can articulate the reasons and consequences of an 'enki' using high-level causative and conditional structures.

At the C2 level, '延期する' is second nature. You can appreciate the subtle differences in tone between 'enki,' 'jun'en,' 'miawaseru,' and 'teishi.' You are likely to encounter this word in historical documents or academic papers discussing the postponement of treaties or military actions. You can use the word in high-level business negotiations to strategically delay a decision without causing offense, using it alongside complex Keigo (honorific Japanese). You also understand the cultural implications of postponement in Japan—how it is often used as a polite way to avoid a direct 'no' or 'cancellation' in order to maintain harmony (wa), and you can navigate these social waters with the fluency of a native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

延期する in 30 Seconds

延期する (enki suru) means to postpone or reschedule an event to a later date.
It is a formal Suru-verb used in business, news, and official announcements.
It differs from 'okureru' (being late) as it refers to the schedule itself.
Commonly used with particles 'wo' (the event) and 'ni/made' (the new time).

The Japanese verb 延期する (enki suru) is a fundamental B1-level term used to describe the act of rescheduling an event or action to a later date or time. It is composed of two kanji: 延 (en), meaning 'prolong' or 'stretch,' and 期 (ki), meaning 'period' or 'time.' When combined with the light verb 'suru,' it functions as a formal and neutral way to say 'to postpone' or 'to defer.' Unlike words that imply a simple delay (like being late for a train), 延期する specifically refers to a conscious decision to change a previously set schedule. This word is ubiquitous in professional environments, news reporting, and daily social planning.

Formal Business Context: In Japanese corporate culture, 延期する is the standard term for pushing back meetings, project deadlines, or product launches. It carries a nuance of officiality. For example, if a company needs more time for development, they will 'enki suru' the release date.
Weather and Events: One of the most common uses is in sports and outdoor activities. If a baseball game is called off due to rain but rescheduled for tomorrow, it is 'enki.' If it were cancelled entirely, the word would be 'chuushi' (中止).

雨天のため、運動会は来週に延期することになりました。 (Due to rain, the sports day has been postponed until next week.)

Understanding the difference between 延期 (postponement) and 中止 (cancellation) is vital for clear communication in Japan. When you hear 延期, there is still hope that the event will happen; when you hear 中止, the plan is dead. In news broadcasts, you will frequently hear this regarding government policies or international summits. The word maintains a level of objectivity that makes it suitable for both a CEO announcing a delay in a merger and a friend rescheduling a coffee date, though in very casual speech, friends might prefer 'nobasu' (伸ばす).

新製品の発売を１ヶ月延期する。 (To postpone the release of the new product by one month.)

Social Nuance: Using 延期する in social settings implies that the postponement is due to external circumstances rather than a lack of interest. It sounds more 'planned' than just saying you can't make it.

Grammatically, 延期する is a Suru-verb, meaning it follows the standard conjugation patterns for Suru. It typically takes a direct object marked by the particle を (wo), representing the event or deadline being moved. The new date or time is often marked by に (ni) or まで (made). For instance, 'reschedule to Monday' is '月曜日に延期する'.

会議を明日に延期しましょう。 (Let's postpone the meeting until tomorrow.)

Passive Construction: In news and official announcements, the passive form 延期される (enki sareru) is extremely common. This removes the focus from 'who' postponed it and puts it on the fact that the event has been moved. 'オリンピックが延期された' (The Olympics were postponed).

When you want to express that a decision was made by a group or authority, the phrasing 延期することになった (it has been decided to postpone) is the most natural. This is polite and avoids sounding like you personally are responsible for the delay, which is a key aspect of Japanese business etiquette. If you are the one asking for the postponement, you might use the humble form 延期させていただきます (I will take the liberty of postponing).

出発を１時間延期してください。 (Please postpone the departure by one hour.)

Combining with Duration: To specify the length of the delay, use the duration followed by the verb directly. '三日間延期する' (Postpone for three days). No particle is strictly necessary between the duration and the verb, though 'だけ' (only) or 'ほど' (about) can be added for nuance.

You will encounter 延期する most frequently in formal settings. If you are living in Japan, pay attention to train station announcements or airport monitors. While 'delay' (okure) is used for late arrivals, 延期 is used if a planned service (like a new line opening) is pushed back. In the workplace, your manager might use it during a 'MTG' (meeting) when a client hasn't provided necessary data. It is a 'safe' word—it sounds professional and clear.

大雨の影響で、工事の開始を延期します。 (Due to heavy rain, we will postpone the start of the construction.)

News Media: TV news anchors use this word daily. '首脳会談の延期が発表されました' (The postponement of the summit meeting was announced). It is part of the standard vocabulary for political and economic reporting.
School and University: Students hear this regarding exams or school festivals. If a professor is ill, they might 'enki' the lecture. In university portals, you'll see 'レポートの締め切りを延期する' (Postpone the report deadline).

In the entertainment industry, video game delays are a common topic of conversation among fans. When a highly anticipated game like Final Fantasy or Zelda is moved to the next year, fans will tweet about the 'hatsubai enki' (release postponement). This word bridges the gap between high-level formal Japanese and everyday interests.

チケットの販売を一時延期する。 (To temporarily postpone ticket sales.)

The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 延期する (enki suru) with 遅れる (okureru). While both relate to time, their usage is strictly different. Okureru is for when something is running late (like a train or a person). You cannot 'enki' a train that is 5 minutes late; the train is simply 'okurete-iru'. You 'enki' the schedule of the train service if you decide today that tomorrow's trains won't run until next week.

Mistake: Enki vs. Chuushi: Learners often say 'enki' when they actually mean 'chuushi' (cancel). If you postpone a wedding, you intend to have it later. If you cancel it, it's gone. Using the wrong one can cause major confusion or false hope!

❌ 電車が５分延期しています。
✅ 電車が５分遅れています。 (The train is 5 minutes late.)

Another error is the misuse of particles. Beginners often use 'kara' (from) when they should use 'ni' (to). If you say '明日から延期する', it sounds like the act of postponing starts tomorrow, which is confusing. You should say '明日に延期する' (Postpone to tomorrow). Also, avoid using 延期する for physical length; use nobasu (伸ばす) for stretching a rope or hair. 延期 is strictly for time and schedules.

❌ 締め切りを来週に遅らせる。
✅ 締め切りを来週に延期する。 (While 'okuraseru' is grammatically okay, 'enki suru' is much more professional for deadlines.)

Depending on the situation, you might want to use a more specific or less formal word than 延期する. Japanese has several synonyms that focus on different aspects of 'delaying' or 'postponing'.

順延 (Jun'en): This is a very specific type of postponement. It means 'to postpone in order.' If a 3-day festival is rained out on Day 1, and Day 1 moves to Day 2, Day 2 moves to Day 3, etc., that is jun'en. You see this almost exclusively in event programs.
見合わせる (Miawaseru): This means 'to put on hold' or 'to refrain from for now.' It is often used by train companies when they stop service due to an accident but aren't sure when it will resume. It sounds more hesitant than enki.
先送りにする (Sakiokuri ni suru): This has a slightly negative nuance, like 'procrastinating' or 'pushing a problem down the road.' Politicians are often accused of sakiokuri when they avoid making a difficult decision.

問題を先送りにするのは良くない。 (It's not good to keep putting off the problem.)

For casual situations, use 延ばす (nobasu). If you are talking to a friend about moving your lunch date, enki suru sounds a bit too stiff. Saying '来週に延ばせる？' (Can we push it to next week?) is much more natural for daily life. Lastly, 猶予 (yuuyo) is a legal or highly formal term for a 'grace period' or 'stay of execution,' such as 'shikkou yuuyo' (suspended sentence).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 延 is also used in 'en-chousen' (extra innings/overtime) in sports, which is essentially an unplanned 'enki' of the game's end!

Pronunciation Guide

UK en.ki.su.ru

US en.ki.su.ru

Flat (Heiban) pitch accent. The pitch stays relatively even after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

Tenki (Weather) Genki (Energy) Denki (Electricity) Benki (Toilet) Kenki (Anaerobic) Senki (War history) Penki (Paint) Anki (Memorization)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'en' as 'in'.
Making the 'r' sound too heavy like an American 'r'.
Stressing the 'ki' too much.
Not pronouncing the 'n' clearly before 'k'.
Confusing the pitch with 'enki' (atmospheric/air), though that is less common.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require B1 level knowledge.

Writing 4/5

Writing the kanji '延' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is simple and flat.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in formal announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

する時間予定雨会議

Learn Next

中止する変更する開催する繰り上げる実施する

Advanced

猶予順延先送り見合わせる停滞

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

延期する、延期します、延期した。

Passive Voice (-sareru)

試合が延期された。

Decisions (Koto ni naru/shiru)

延期することになった。

Particles (Ni/Made)

来週に延期する、来週まで延期する。

Reasoning (Tame/Node)

台風のため延期する。

Examples by Level

テストを延期します。

I will postpone the test.

Simple transitive use.

しあいはえんきです。

The match is postponed.

Noun + desu.

あしたにえんきしましょう。

Let's postpone it until tomorrow.

Volitional form -mashou.

えんきはだめです。

Postponement is not allowed.

Noun as a subject.

パーティーをえんきする？

Will you postpone the party?

Casual question.

らいしゅうにえんきしました。

I postponed it to next week.

Past tense.

あめでえんきです。

Postponed because of rain.

Particle 'de' for reason.

えんきしないでください。

Please don't postpone it.

Negative request form.

会議は来週に延期になりました。

The meeting has been postponed until next week.

Ni naru indicates a decision was made.

旅行を１ヶ月延期することにしました。

I decided to postpone the trip by one month.

Koto ni shita indicates a personal decision.

雨が降ったら、延期しますか？

If it rains, will you postpone it?

Conditional -tara.

締め切りを延期してほしいです。

I want you to postpone the deadline.

Te-form + hoshii (requesting).

イベントの延期を知らせる。

To notify of the event's postponement.

Noun form used with particle 'no'.

予定を延期するのは大変です。

It is difficult to postpone plans.

Nominalizing with 'no'.

もう一度延期しましょうか。

Shall we postpone it once more?

Mou ichido (one more time).

延期の理由はなんですか？

What is the reason for the postponement?

Noun + no + noun.

新製品の発売が３ヶ月延期された。

The release of the new product was postponed for three months.

Passive form -sareru.

台風のため、出発を延期せざるを得ない。

Due to the typhoon, we have no choice but to postpone the departure.

Sezaru o enai (have no choice but to).

工事の期間を延期する必要がある。

It is necessary to postpone the construction period.

Hitsuyou ga aru (necessity).

彼は返事を延期し続けている。

He keeps postponing his reply.

Stem + tsuzukeru (keep doing).

その計画は無期限に延期された。

The plan was postponed indefinitely.

Mukigen ni (indefinitely).

延期するかどうか、まだ決まっていない。

It hasn't been decided yet whether to postpone it or not.

Ka dou ka (whether or not).

もっと早く延期を伝えるべきだった。

I should have communicated the postponement sooner.

Beki datta (should have).

予算の関係で、プロジェクトを延期した。

We postponed the project due to budget issues.

No kankei de (due to/related to).

不測の事態により、式典を延期せざるを得なくなりました。

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were forced to postpone the ceremony.

Formal 'ni yori' and 'sezaru o enaku naru'.

交渉をこれ以上延期することは許されない。

Postponing the negotiations any further is not permitted.

Koto wa yurusarenai (not permitted).

政府は増税の時期を延期する方針を固めた。

The government has firmed up its policy to postpone the timing of the tax hike.

Houshin o katameru (firm up a policy).

延期に伴う追加費用が発生する。

Additional costs associated with the postponement will occur.

Ni tomonau (accompanying/associated with).

彼は決断を延期することで、時間を稼ごうとした。

He tried to buy time by postponing the decision.

De (by means of) + volitional + to suru (try to).

主催者は、安全を最優先に考えて延期を決定した。

The organizers decided to postpone, putting safety first.

O saiyuusen ni kangaete (considering as top priority).

たとえ延期になっても、準備は続けるべきだ。

Even if it is postponed, we should continue preparations.

Tatoe... temo (even if).

延期されたおかげで、もっと準備する時間ができた。

Thanks to it being postponed, I had more time to prepare.

Okage de (thanks to).

債務の支払いを延期する交渉が難航している。

Negotiations to defer debt payments are facing difficulties.

Nankou shite iru (sailing is difficult/facing hurdles).

判決の言い渡しが、検察側の要請により延期された。

The sentencing was postponed at the request of the prosecution.

No yousei ni yori (at the request of).

景気後退の懸念から、設備投資を延期する企業が相次いでいる。

One company after another is postponing capital investment due to concerns about the recession.

Aitsuide iru (happening one after another).

その法案の採決は、次期国会まで延期される見通しだ。

The vote on that bill is expected to be postponed until the next Diet session.

Mitooshi da (is expected/forecast).

彼は自らの非を認めることを、極限まで延期しようとした。

He tried to postpone admitting his own fault to the very limit.

Kyokugen made (to the limit).

核合意の履行を延期するという声明が発表された。

A statement was released announcing the postponement of the nuclear deal's implementation.

Rikou (implementation/fulfillment).

延期を繰り返すことは、組織の信頼を損なうことになりかねない。

Repeated postponements could potentially damage the organization's credibility.

Ni kanenai (might happen/could lead to).

事態の深刻さを鑑み、公演の延期はやむを得ない判断であった。

In view of the seriousness of the situation, postponing the performance was an unavoidable decision.

O kangami (in view of/considering).

条約の批准を延期することは、外交上の重大な摩擦を招きかねない。

Postponing the ratification of the treaty could invite serious diplomatic friction.

Masatsu o maneku (invite friction).

死刑の執行を延期するという恩赦が与えられた。

A pardon was granted, postponing the execution of the death penalty.

Onsha (pardon/amnesty).

構造改革を延期し続けたことが、今日の経済停滞を招いた一因である。

The continuous postponement of structural reforms is one factor that led to today's economic stagnation.

Ichiin (one cause/factor).

彼は、真実を告げるという苦渋の決断を、最後まで延期し続けた。

He continued to postpone the agonizing decision to tell the truth until the very end.

Kujuu no ketsudan (agonizing decision).

環境規制の導入を延期せよとの圧力が、業界団体から強まっている。

Pressure from industry groups to postpone the introduction of environmental regulations is mounting.

Seye to no atsuryoku (pressure to do...).

未曾有の災害を前に、五輪の延期は歴史的な転換点となった。

In the face of an unprecedented disaster, the postponement of the Olympics became a historical turning point.

Mizou no (unprecedented).

その作家は、完結編の執筆を延期することで、作品の永遠性を保とうとしたのかもしれない。

The author may have tried to maintain the work's eternity by postponing the writing of the final volume.

Eien-sei (eternity).

問題の解決を延期することは、単なる時間稼ぎに過ぎず、根本的な解決には至らない。

Postponing the resolution of the problem is nothing more than buying time and does not lead to a fundamental solution.

Ni sugizu (nothing more than).

Common Collocations

発売を延期する

来週に延期する

無期限に延期する

一時延期する

雨天延期

延期を申し出る

延期を余儀なくされる

１ヶ月延期する

試合を延期する

延期が決定する

Common Phrases

延期になります

— It will be postponed (polite). Used when the speaker isn't the sole decider.

今日の会議は延期になります。

延期せざるを得ない

— Have no choice but to postpone. Used in difficult situations.

この状況では延期せざるを得ない。

延期のお願い

— A request for postponement. Common in email subject lines.

面談延期のお願い。

再三の延期

— Repeated postponements. Carrying a tone of frustration.

再三の延期にファンは怒っている。

延期を検討する

— To consider postponing. Used in planning stages.

開催の延期を検討しています。

１日延期

— One-day postponement.

テストが１日延期された。

延期が決まる

— Postponement is decided.

ようやく延期が決まった。

大幅に延期する

— To postpone significantly.

計画を大幅に延期する。

延期を避ける

— To avoid postponement.

延期を避けるために努力する。

正式に延期する

— To formally postpone.

五輪を正式に延期する。

Often Confused With

延期する vs 遅れる

Used for being late/delayed in progress. Enki is for rescheduling.

延期する vs 中止する

Used for cancelling entirely. Enki implies it will happen later.

延期する vs 変更する

A general term for 'change'. Enki is specifically for moving to a later time.

Idioms & Expressions

"先送りにする"

— To put off a problem or decision to avoid dealing with it now.

借金の返済を先送りにする。

Common

"お蔵入りになる"

— To be shelved or cancelled after being postponed indefinitely (often for media).

あの映画はお蔵入りになった。

Colloquial

"ほとぼりが冷めるまで"

— Waiting until the excitement/scandal dies down before proceeding (a reason for enki).

ほとぼりが冷めるまで発売を延期する。

Common

"棚上げにする"

— To shelve or set aside a topic/problem.

その議論は一旦棚上げにしよう。

Formal

"二の次にする"

— To make something secondary (postponing its priority).

今は遊びは二の次にして勉強しろ。

Common

"日を改める"

— To choose another day (polite way to postpone).

日を改めて伺います。

Polite

"時期尚早"

— Too early to do something (often the reason for enki).

その計画はまだ時期尚早だ。

Formal

"機が熟すのを待つ"

— Waiting for the right opportunity (strategic postponement).

機が熟すのを待って、計画を実行する。

Literary

"ペンを置く"

— To stop writing (can imply postponing a work's completion).

彼はしばらくペンを置くことにした。

Literary

"塩漬けにする"

— To keep something 'salted' (on ice/unused) for a long time.

株を塩漬けにする。

Financial

Easily Confused

延期する vs 遅延 (Chien)

Both mean 'delay'.

Chien is used for trains/traffic being late. Enki is for moving a scheduled date.

電車の遅延 (Train delay) vs 試合の延期 (Match postponement).

延期する vs 順延 (Jun'en)

Both mean 'postpone'.

Jun'en means pushing the whole sequence of events back (Day 1 becomes Day 2).

雨天順延 (Sequential rain delay).

延期する vs 見合わせる (Miawaseru)

Both mean 'delay/stop'.

Miawaseru is 'on hold' because of uncertainty. Enki is a planned move.

運転を見合わせる (Suspending service).

延期する vs 先送り (Sakiokuri)

Both mean 'postpone'.

Sakiokuri implies procrastinating or avoiding a problem.

結論を先送りにする (Putting off a conclusion).

延期する vs 延びる (Nobiru)

Intransitive version.

Nobiru means 'to get longer' or 'to be delayed' naturally. Enki is an action.

会議が延びる (The meeting ran long).

Sentence Patterns

[Event] を延期します。

テストを延期します。

[Event] は [Time] に延期になりました。

会議は明日に延期になりました。

[Reason] のため、[Event] を延期せざるを得ない。

雨のため、試合を延期せざるを得ない。

[Event] の延期を余儀なくされる。

五輪の延期を余儀なくされた。

[Event] を延期する方針を固める。

発売を延期する方針を固めた。

[Event] の延期が経済に与える影響を考慮する。

五輪の延期が経済に与える影響を考慮する。

[Event] を [Duration] 延期する。

旅行を３日間延期する。

[Event] が無期限に延期される。

計画が無期限に延期される。

Word Family

Nouns

延期 (Postponement)

延長期 (Extension period)

Verbs

延期する (To postpone)

延びる (To be extended/delayed)

延ばす (To extend/delay)

中止 (Cancellation)

変更 (Change)

継続 (Continuation)

猶予 (Grace period)

遅延 (Delay)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in business and news media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kara' for the new date. → Using 'ni' or 'made'.
Saying 'Ashita kara enki' sounds like the act of postponing starts tomorrow. Use 'Ashita ni enki'.
Using 'enki' for a late train. → Using 'okure' or 'chien'.
Enki is for rescheduling, not for being late in real-time.
Confusing 'enki' with 'chuushi'. → Using 'chuushi' for cancellation.
If the event is never happening, it's 'chuushi'. 'Enki' means it will happen later.
Using 'enki' for physical length. → Using 'nobasu'.
You can't 'enki' your hair. You 'nobasu' (grow out) your hair.
Forgeting 'suru'. → Always use 'suru' for the verb form.
延期 alone is just the noun 'postponement'.

Tips

Business Emails

When writing a business email about a delay, always use '延期' and apologize sincerely using '申し訳ございません'.

Passive Voice

In news headlines, you'll see '延期へ' (Enki e), which means 'Moving toward postponement'.

Politeness

Postponing at the last minute is very rude in Japan. Try to announce an 'enki' at least 24 hours in advance if possible.

Related Kanji

Notice that '延' is also in '延長' (encho - extension). They both share the idea of making something longer in time.

Station Announcements

If you hear 'Unten miawase,' it's not 'enki,' it's a temporary suspension. Stay at the station!

Asking Permission

To ask a friend to postpone, say 'Nobaseru?' (Can we push it?). To a boss, say 'Enki dekimasu ka?'

The 'En' Sound

Associate 'En' with 'Endless waiting'—because you postponed it!

Kanji Precision

Be careful not to confuse '延' with '廷' (court). The bottom left part is different.

Clarification

Always follow 'enki suru' with a specific date to avoid being vague, which is often disliked in planning.

Enki vs. Okure

Remember: Enki = Calendar change. Okure = Clock change.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EN' as 'END' and 'KI' as 'KEY'. You lost the KEY to the END of the project, so you have to postpone it!

Visual Association

Imagine a person physically grabbing a date on a calendar and stretching it like a rubber band to the next week.

Word Web

Calendar Rain Meeting Deadline Later Change Official Wait

Challenge

Try to find three things in your current schedule that you would like to 'enki suru' and write them in Japanese.

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango). Composed of 延 (prolong) and 期 (period). The kanji 延 shows a person walking along a long road, symbolizing stretching out. 期 shows a moon and a sieve, originally referring to a cycle or time period.

Original meaning: To stretch out a designated time period.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese roots).

Cultural Context

Be careful when postponing personal dates; in Japan, repeated 'enki' can be seen as a polite way of saying you don't want to meet at all.

In English, 'postpone' and 'put off' are common. 'Enki suru' maps perfectly to 'postpone.'

2020 Tokyo Olympics Postponement Final Fantasy game delays Studio Ghibli film release delays

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

締め切りを延期する
会議を延期する
プロジェクトの延期
延期のお詫び

Events

雨天延期
開催を延期する
チケットの延期
無期限延期

Transportation

出発を延期する
運行を見合わせる (related)
到着が遅れる (related)
開通を延期する

Daily Life

約束を延期する
デートを延期する
旅行を延期する
支払いを延期する

Education

試験を延期する
授業を延期する
提出を延期する
卒業式を延期する

Conversation Starters

"もし大事な予定が延期になったら、どうしますか？"

"最近、何かを延期したことはありますか？"

"仕事の締め切りを延期してもらったことがありますか？"

"オリンピックの延期について、どう思いましたか？"

"雨で楽しみなイベントが延期になったことがありますか？"

Journal Prompts

今日、延期したいと思っていたことは何ですか？その理由も書いてください。

もし人生の大きなイベントを１年延期できるとしたら、何を延期しますか？

「延期」と「中止」のどちらがよりがっかりしますか？理由を説明してください。

仕事や学校で、延期をお願いする時の丁寧な表現を練習しましょう。

過去に延期されたことで、逆によかったと思った経験はありますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for trains running late, use '遅れる' (okureru) or '遅延' (chien). Use '延期する' only if the entire start date of a new service is moved.

Yes, but it's better to use '延期させていただきます' or '延期することになりました' to sound more professional and humble.

延期 is formal and specific to schedules. 延ばす is more casual and can also mean physical stretching (like hair or a rope).

Use '無期限延期' (mukigen enki). This often implies the event might never happen.

No, you postpone events, not people. If a person is late, they are 'okurete-iru'.

Usually 'ni' (to) or 'made' (until). Example: 'Ashita ni enki' or 'Ashita made enki'.

Yes, the antonym is '繰り上げる' (kuriageru).

Yes, '延期' is a noun. You can say '延期が決まった' (The postponement was decided).

No, it explicitly implies the event will take place at a later time.

The common term is '雨天延期' (uten enki).