This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A1 noun #2,611 most common 6 min read

延期

enki
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 延期 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 延期 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should know that 延期 (えんき) means 'to move something to a later time.' You will mostly use it with the verb 'する' (to do) or 'になる' (to become). For example, if you have a party but it rains, you might say 'Party, enki!' It is a very useful word for basic planning. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that 延期 means 'not today, but later.' It is often used with 'ashita' (tomorrow) or 'raishuu' (next week). If you see this word on a sign at a park, it usually means the event is not happening today because of the weather. It is one of the first 'big' kanji words learners meet because it is so common in daily life. Just think of it as the 'postpone' button on your life's remote control.
At the A2 level, you can start using 延期 in simple sentences with particles. You should be able to say 'The meeting was postponed until tomorrow' using 'Kaigi wa ashita ni enki ni narimashita.' You are learning the difference between 延期 (postpone) and 中止 (cancel). At this level, you might encounter 'Uten enki' (postponed in case of rain) on posters for local festivals. You should also recognize the passive form 'enki saremasu' (is postponed), which is how polite announcements are often made. You can use it to explain why you can't do something: 'Shukudai no kigen ga enki ni narimashita' (The homework deadline was postponed). This level is about moving from single words to simple, functional sentences that help you navigate daily schedules.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 延期 in professional and social settings. You understand that 延期 is a 'suru-verb' and can conjugate it into various forms like 'enki sezarue nai' (have no choice but to postpone). You start to notice the word in news reports about government decisions or economic changes. You should also be able to distinguish 延期 from related words like 延長 (extension) and 遅延 (delay). For instance, you know that a train is 'chien' but a wedding is 'enki.' You can use formal expressions like 'Shohan no jijou ni yori enki to itashimasu' (Due to various circumstances, we will postpone). This level requires you to handle the social aspect of postponement—knowing how to apologize and provide a reason when you move a date.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, you understand the deeper nuances of 延期 in business and news contexts. You can discuss the implications of an 延期, such as the financial loss or the impact on public opinion. You are familiar with compound words like 'muki-gen enki' (indefinite postponement) and 'toumen enki' (postponed for the time being). You can use 延期 in complex grammatical structures, such as 'Enki suru koto ni yotte shoujiru risuku' (The risks arising from postponing). You also recognize 'miokuri' as a softer, more strategic alternative to 延期 in political contexts. At this stage, you are not just using the word; you are analyzing why it is being used instead of 'cancel' or 'delay,' and you can navigate the formal 'keigo' (honorifics) surrounding these announcements.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, you possess a sophisticated command of 延期 and its synonyms. You can use it in academic or legal writing to describe the deferment of rights, obligations, or sentences. You understand the subtle difference between 延期 and 延引 (en'in), using the latter in literary or highly formal contexts. You can discuss the 'sakiokuri' (procrastination/deferment) of social problems in a political debate. Your vocabulary includes specialized terms like 'shikkou yuuyo' (stay of execution/suspended sentence) which is a specific legal form of 延期. You are sensitive to the rhetorical use of 延期 in corporate PR to soften the blow of bad news. You can write detailed reports explaining the logistical chain reactions caused by the 延期 of a major project.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, you use 延期 with the precision of a native speaker in high-stakes environments. You can articulate the philosophical difference between 'postponed time' and 'cancelled time.' You are adept at using 延期 in high-level negotiations, perhaps using it as a tactical tool to gain more time without appearing indecisive. You understand the historical etymology of the kanji and can appreciate wordplay or puns involving the term. You can critique the use of 延期 in government white papers or complex legal contracts. Your mastery extends to the most formal registers of Japanese, where 延期 might be replaced by even more obscure vocabulary depending on the specific field (e.g., medicine, law, or theology). You are fully aware of the cultural weight that a 'postponement' carries in Japanese society compared to other cultures.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

延期 in 30 Seconds

  • Enki means postponement. It is used when an event is moved to a later date but is still expected to happen eventually.
  • Commonly used in business, news, and daily life for meetings, games, and deadlines. It can be a noun or a suru-verb.
  • Distinguish it from 'Chuushi' (cancellation) and 'Chien' (transport delay). Enki is for scheduled events and formal deadlines.
  • Often paired with reasons like weather (uten enki) or circumstances (shohan no jijou). It requires clear communication of the new date.

The Japanese word 延期 (えんき - Enki) is a fundamental noun and suru-verb that describes the act of moving a scheduled event, task, or deadline to a later point in time. It is composed of two kanji: 延 (to extend or prolong) and 期 (a period or term). Together, they literally mean 'extending the period' or 'prolonging the timeframe.' Unlike a cancellation, where an event is removed from the schedule entirely, 延期 implies a promise or intention that the event will happen, just not right now. This distinction is crucial in Japanese social and business etiquette.

Core Concept
The preservation of an event's occurrence while shifting its temporal coordinates. It is the 'rain check' of the Japanese language.
Grammatical Function
Primarily functions as a noun (延期) or a suru-verb (延期する). It can also be used in the passive form (延期される) when an event is postponed by an external authority.
Visualizing the Kanji
Think of 延 as a road stretching further into the distance, and 期 as a calendar page. You are literally drawing the calendar page further down the road.

「雨のために、遠足は来週に延期されました。」 (The field trip was postponed until next week due to rain.)

— Typical school announcement

In a broader sense, 延期 covers everything from a casual meeting with a friend to the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics. It is a word that carries the weight of logistics. In Japanese culture, announcing an 延期 requires a clear reason (理由 - riyuu) to maintain social harmony (和 - wa), as it affects the schedules of others. Whether it is a product launch, a wedding, or a government policy, 延期 signals a temporary pause rather than a failure.

「新製品の発売を１ヶ月延期することにしました。」 (We have decided to postpone the launch of the new product by one month.)

Temporal Scope
Can range from a few hours (seldom, usually 'delay' is used) to several years.
Social Implication
Often accompanied by an apology (申し訳ございません) in formal settings.

Using 延期 correctly involves understanding its placement in a sentence and the particles that support it. As a suru-verb, it follows the pattern [Event] + を + 延期する. If the event is the subject of a passive sentence, it becomes [Event] + が + 延期される.

1. Basic Sentence Patterns

  • Direct Action: 「試合を延期する」(To postpone the match).
  • Passive State: 「会議が延期された」(The meeting was postponed).
  • Reasoning: 「台風で延期になる」(To be postponed due to a typhoon).

「工事の着工が、資材不足により延期となりました。」 (The start of construction has been postponed due to a shortage of materials.)

2. Specifying the New Time

To indicate when the event is moved to, use the particle に or まで. To indicate how long the delay is, use a duration + の or just the duration before the verb.

Until a specific date
「来月の10日に延期する」 (Postpone to the 10th of next month).
By a certain duration
「一週間の延期」 (A one-week postponement).

3. Formal vs. Informal Usage

In casual conversation, you might say 「延期になっちゃった」(It ended up being postponed). In business, you would use 「延期せざるを得ません」(We have no choice but to postpone) or 「延期させていただきます」(We will take the liberty of postponing).

「誠に勝手ながら、本日のイベントは延期とさせていただきます。」 (We regret to inform you that today's event will be postponed.)

You will encounter 延期 in various sectors of Japanese life. It is a staple of news broadcasts, corporate emails, and school notifications. Understanding the context helps you grasp the severity of the delay.

1. In the News

News anchors use 延期 for political summits, rocket launches, or major sporting events. You'll often hear the phrase 「見送る」(miokuru), which is a more nuanced way of saying 'to put on hold' or 'to postpone indefinitely.'

「政府は増税の時期を来年まで延期する方針を固めました。」 (The government has decided on a policy to postpone the timing of the tax hike until next year.)

2. At the Office

In business, 延期 is used for deadlines (締め切り - shimekiri) and meetings. It is often paired with reasons like 'unforeseen circumstances' (諸般の事情 - shohan no jijou).

Project Management
「スケジュールの延期が必要です。」 (A schedule postponement is necessary.)
Client Communication
「納期を延期していただけないでしょうか？」 (Could we possibly postpone the delivery date?)

3. Weather and Sports

Outdoor events are at the mercy of the weather. You will see signs at stadiums or parks saying 「雨天延期」(uten enki - postponed in case of rain).

Even advanced learners sometimes stumble with 延期. The most common errors involve confusing it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words.

1. 延期 vs. 中止 (The 'Forever' Mistake)

This is the biggest pitfall. If you say 延期, people expect a new date. If you say 中止, they assume it's gone forever. If you tell a friend 「飲み会は延期です」(The drinking party is postponed), they will ask 「いつにする？」(When shall we do it?). If you say 「中止です」, they might feel disappointed that the plan is dead.

❌ 「電車が延期しています。」 (The train is postponed.)
✅ 「電車が遅延しています。」 (The train is delayed.)

Trains don't get 'postponed' unless the whole service is moved to another day.

2. 延期 vs. 延長 (The 'Length' Mistake)

延長 (enchou) means to make something longer while it is happening. 延期 means to move the start or the deadline to a later time.

延長 (Enchou)
Extending a stay at a hotel, extending a game into overtime.
延期 (Enki)
Moving a wedding from June to September.

3. Using the Wrong Particle

Learners often use 'を' when the event is the subject. Remember: [Event] が 延期になる (The event is postponed) vs. [Person] が [Event] を 延期する (The person postpones the event).

Japanese has several words for 'delay' or 'postpone,' each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one makes you sound more natural.

1. 順延 (Jun'en)

This is a specific type of postponement where everything in a schedule shifts by exactly one day or one slot, usually due to weather. Common in sports tournaments.

2. 見送り (Miokuri)

Literally 'to see off,' but in business/politics, it means to decide not to proceed with something for now. It's softer than 延期 and often implies the plan might eventually be cancelled.

「今回の計画は見送りになりました。」 (The plan has been put on hold/shelved for now.)

3. 持ち越し (Mochikoshi)

To carry something over to the next period (e.g., next year, next meeting). It implies that the discussion or task wasn't finished.

延引 (En'in)
A very formal, literary word for delay. You'll see this in historical novels or very stiff legal documents.
先送り (Sakiokuri)
Procrastinating or pushing a problem into the future. Often has a negative connotation of avoiding responsibility.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Passive Voice (れる/られる)

Reasoning (ので/から)

Decisions (ことにする/ことになる)

Humble Keigo (いたす)

Time particles (に/まで)

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

テストは延期です。

The test is postponed.

Simple noun + desu.

2

あしたに延期します。

Postpone until tomorrow.

Particle 'ni' indicates the new time.

3

試合は延期ですか？

Is the match postponed?

Question form.

4

来週に延期しましょう。

Let's postpone it to next week.

Volitional form 'shimashou'.

5

雨だから延期です。

It's postponed because of rain.

Reason + dakara.

6

延期は嫌です。

I don't like postponement.

Noun as subject.

7

パーティーを延期しました。

I postponed the party.

Past tense 'shimashita'.

8

延期、お願いします。

Postponement, please.

Polite request.

1

会議は来週の月曜日に延期されました。

The meeting was postponed to next Monday.

Passive form 'saremashita'.

2

台風が来るので、旅行を延期します。

Since a typhoon is coming, I will postpone the trip.

Reason + node.

3

宿題の締め切りを延期してください。

Please postpone the homework deadline.

kudasai request.

4

イベントが延期になって残念です。

It's a pity the event was postponed.

ni natte (result) + zannen.

5

延期の理由は雨です。

The reason for the postponement is rain.

Noun 'no' Noun.

6

予定を一日延期しました。

I postponed the schedule by one day.

Duration + enki.

7

出発を延期することに決めた。

I decided to postpone the departure.

koto ni kimeta (decision).

8

延期された試合はいつですか？

When is the postponed match?

Relative clause.

1

諸般の事情により、発売を延期いたします。

Due to various circumstances, we will postpone the release.

Humble form 'itashimasu'.

2

延期せざるを得ない状況になりました。

We have reached a situation where we have no choice but to postpone.

sezaru o enai (no choice).

3

工事が大幅に延期されています。

The construction is being significantly postponed.

oohaba ni (significantly).

4

彼は返事を延期し続けている。

He keeps postponing his reply.

shitsuzukete iru (keep doing).

5

延期のお詫びを申し上げます。

I offer my apologies for the postponement.

Formal apology.

6

予算の関係で、計画は延期になった。

Due to budget issues, the plan was postponed.

no kankei de (due to).

7

オリンピックの延期は大きなニュースだった。

The postponement of the Olympics was big news.

Noun phrase as subject.

8

締め切りを延期してもらえると助かります。

It would be helpful if you could postpone the deadline.

te-moraeru to tasukarimasu.

1

不測の事態に備え、計画の延期を検討している。

In preparation for unforeseen circumstances, we are considering postponing the plan.

kentou shite iru (considering).

2

その法案の採決は当面延期される見通しだ。

The vote on that bill is expected to be postponed for the time being.

mitsoushi da (expected/outlook).

3

延期に伴う追加費用が問題となっている。

Additional costs associated with the postponement are becoming a problem.

ni tomounau (associated with).

4

新製品の発表を無期限で延期すると発表した。

They announced they would postpone the new product launch indefinitely.

muki-gen (indefinite).

5

延期が決まった途端、苦情が殺到した。

As soon as the postponement was decided, complaints flooded in.

totan (as soon as).

6

景気後退の影響で、投資計画が延期された。

Due to the economic downturn, investment plans were postponed.

eikyou de (due to effect).

7

延期は避けられないと判断されました。

It was judged that postponement is unavoidable.

sakerarenai (unavoidable).

8

延期を繰り返すのは信頼を損なう。

Repeating postponements damages trust.

Noun phrase + wa + verb.

1

政治的混乱により、条約の調印は延期を余儀なくされた。

Due to political turmoil, the signing of the treaty was forced to be postponed.

yogi naku sareta (forced to).

2

判決の言い渡しが延期されたことは、法曹界に衝撃を与えた。

The postponement of the sentencing sent shockwaves through the legal world.

shougeki o ataeta (gave a shock).

3

抜本的な解決を先送りにし、延期を重ねる政府の姿勢が批判されている。

The government's stance of repeatedly postponing and deferring fundamental solutions is being criticized.

sakiokuri (deferment).

4

延期措置が取られたことで、一時的に市場は落ち着きを取り戻した。

With the postponement measures taken, the market temporarily regained its calm.

sochi (measures).

5

そのプロジェクトは、技術的な障壁により無期限延期の憂き目に遭った。

The project suffered the misfortune of being indefinitely postponed due to technical barriers.

ukime ni atta (suffered misfortune).

6

延期によって生じた空白期間をどう埋めるかが課題だ。

The challenge is how to fill the vacuum created by the postponement.

kuuhaku kikan (blank period).

7

債務の支払いを延期するための交渉が難航している。

Negotiations to postpone debt payments are running into difficulties.

nankou shite iru (difficulties).

8

延期の決定は、綿密なリスク分析に基づいたものである。

The decision to postpone was based on a thorough risk analysis.

ni motozuita (based on).

1

存在論的な観点から言えば、死の延期は生への執着の現れである。

From an ontological perspective, the postponement of death is a manifestation of the attachment to life.

sonzaironteki (ontological).

2

国家存亡の危機において、選挙の延期は憲法上の議論を呼ぶ。

In a crisis of national survival, the postponement of elections sparks constitutional debate.

kenpoushou (constitutional).

3

延期という選択肢が、外交における強力なカードとなり得る。

The option of postponement can serve as a powerful card in diplomacy.

card to nariuru (can become a card).

4

時間の延期は、主観的な経験においてのみ意味を成す。

The postponement of time only makes sense in subjective experience.

imi o nasu (makes sense).

5

プロジェクトの延期は、単なる遅延ではなく、戦略的な再構築であるべきだ。

The postponement of a project should not be a mere delay, but a strategic restructuring.

senryakuteki (strategic).

6

延期を正当化するためのレトリックが、かえって不信感を煽った。

The rhetoric used to justify the postponement instead fueled distrust.

fushinkan o aotta (fueled distrust).

7

法執行の延期が社会秩序に与える影響は計り知れない。

The impact of postponing law enforcement on social order is immeasurable.

hakarishirenai (immeasurable).

8

延期された約束は、果たされない約束よりも残酷な場合がある。

A postponed promise can sometimes be crueler than an unfulfilled one.

zankoku (cruel).

Synonyms

先送り 持ち越し 順延 猶予 日延べ

Antonyms

繰り上げる 決行

Common Collocations

延期を決定する (Decide to postpone)
延期を発表する (Announce postponement)
延期を余儀なくされる (Be forced to postpone)
無期限延期 (Indefinite postponement)
当面延期 (Postponed for now)
大幅な延期 (Significant postponement)
再度の延期 (Second postponement)
延期の理由 (Reason for postponement)
延期を申し出る (Request postponement)
延期を検討する (Consider postponement)

Common Phrases

雨天延期 (Postponed if it rains)
発売延期 (Postponed release)
延期のお知らせ (Notice of postponement)
締め切りを延期する (Postpone a deadline)
試合が延期になる (The match is postponed)
来週に延期する (Postpone to next week)
延期せざるを得ない (Cannot avoid postponing)
延期のお詫び (Apology for postponement)
延期を決める (Decide on postponement)
延期の手続き (Procedures for postponement)

Often Confused With

延期 vs 延長 (Enchou)

Enchou is making something longer; Enki is moving the start/end time.

延期 vs 中止 (Chuushi)

Chuushi is a total cancellation; Enki is just a delay.

延期 vs 遅延 (Chien)

Chien is used for transport or technical delays; Enki is for schedules.

Idioms & Expressions

"お預けを食う (To be made to wait/postponed - casual)"
"棚上げにする (To shelve/postpone a problem)"
"先送りにする (To procrastinate/postpone responsibility)"
"日を改める (To pick another day)"
"機が熟すのを待る (Wait for the right time - indirect postponement)"
"二の足を踏む (To hesitate/postpone action)"
"筆を置く (To postpone writing - literary)"
"沙汰止みになる (To be called off/postponed indefinitely)"
"持ち越しになる (To be carried over)"
"ほとぼりが冷めるまで待つ (Wait until things cool down)"

Easily Confused

延期 vs

延期 vs

延期 vs

延期 vs

延期 vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

Related

延長 (Extension)
延びる (To stretch)
延ばす (To delay/prolong)
遅延 (Delay)
Sign up free to see all examples

How to Use It

nuance

延期 implies the event will definitely happen later.

caution

Do not use for transport delays (use chien).

Common Mistakes
  • Using 延期 for transport delays.
  • Confusing 延期 with 中止 (cancellation).
  • Using the wrong particle (e.g., using 'o' when the event is the subject).
  • Not providing a new date when using 延期 in a social context.
  • Confusing the kanji 延 with 廷 (court).

Tips

Particle Usage

Use 'ni' for the new date and 'de' for the reason of postponement.

Kanji Meaning

Remember 'En' means extend and 'Ki' means period. Extending the period.

Apologizing

Always apologize when you are the one requesting the postponement.

Keigo

Use 'itashimasu' or 'sasete itadakimasu' for a professional tone.

Signs

Look for 延期 on notice boards at stations or parks during bad weather.

Pronunciation

Keep the pitch flat; don't stress the 'en' or the 'ki'.

News

Listen for 'miokuri' in political news; it's a synonym for 延期.

Email

Subject line: 【延期のお知らせ】 is standard for postponement notices.

Patience

In Japan, 延期 is seen as a responsible way to handle problems rather than rushing.

JLPT

This word often appears in N4/N3 level listening and reading sections.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

Postponing a wedding is a major decision that involves consulting both families to find an 'auspicious' new date (Taian).

When postponing a meeting, always offer three alternative dates immediately.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"もし結婚式が延期になったら、どうしますか？"

"仕事の締め切りを延期してもらったことがありますか？"

"雨でイベントが延期になったことはありますか？"

"オリンピックの延期についてどう思いましたか？"

"最近、何かを延期しましたか？"

Journal Prompts

今日、延期したいと思っていたことは何ですか？

延期されて嬉しかった経験を書いてください。

大事な予定が延期になった時の気持ちを説明してください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 遅延 (chien) for trains and planes.

It is a standard word used in both casual and formal contexts.

繰り上げ (kuriage), which means moving something to an earlier date.

Use 無期限延期 (muki-gen enki).

Yes, 'shukudai no enki' is common.

Yes, you can say 延期する.

It means the event is postponed if it rains.

順延 is specifically shifting a schedule by one day, usually due to weather.

Yes, though 'henkou' (change) is also common.

Not necessarily, it just means a change in time.

Sign up free for tips & notes

Test Yourself 180 questions

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Sign up free to practice

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

延期 Chinese

More Time words

以後

A1

A noun or adverbial noun meaning 'after,' 'from now on,' or 'since.' It indicates a point in time and everything following it, often implying a continuous state or a change that starts from that moment.

午後

A1

The period of time between noon and evening, typically translated as 'afternoon' or 'P.M.' It is used both as a standalone noun and as a prefix before specific times to indicate the second half of the day.

終日

A1

Refers to the entire duration of a day from morning until night. It is a formal way to express that an action or state lasts all day long without interruption.

以前

A1

Izen refers to a time or state prior to the present or a specific reference point. It is commonly used to describe past habits, previous locations, or to contrast how things used to be compared to now.

世紀

A1

A century, which is a period of 100 years. It is commonly used to refer to specific eras in history or the current time period using the Gregorian calendar.

明後日

A1

The day after tomorrow. It is used to refer to the specific day that follows tomorrow in a sequence of time.

一昨日

A1

Refers to the day before yesterday. It is used to specify a point in time exactly two days prior to the current day in a temporal sequence.

年代

A1

Refers to a specific period of time or era, most commonly used to denote decades like the 1990s. It is also used to describe the age or historical period of an object or a general generation of people.

遅延

A1

A delay or postponement where an event or process occurs later than the scheduled or expected time. It is commonly used regarding public transportation, system performance, or official schedules.

終了

A1

Shūryō refers to the end, conclusion, or termination of an event, process, or period of time. It is a formal way to say that something has finished or been completed, commonly used in computer interfaces and official announcements.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!