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A2 noun #8,500 most common 10 min read

再来週

saraishuu Top 8,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 再来週 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 再来週 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to talk about time. You likely know 'today' (kyou), 'tomorrow' (ashita), and 'this week' (konsyuu). 'Sairaisyuu' is a great word to add because it follows the same pattern as 'raisyuu' (next week). Think of it as 'Next-Next Week.' You don't need complex grammar to use it; just put it at the start of your sentence to say when you are doing something. For example, 'Sairaisyuu, kaimono ni ikimasu' (The week after next, I will go shopping). It's a simple way to make your Japanese sound more organized and precise.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Sairaisyuu' with the particle 'no' to specify days. For example, 'Sairaisyuu no getsuyoubi' (Monday of the week after next). This is very useful for making appointments or plans with friends. You should also practice using it with 'kara' (from) and 'made' (until). For example, 'Sairaisyuu kara yasumi desu' (My vacation starts from the week after next). At this level, focus on the rhythm of the word—it has five syllables: sa-i-ra-i-shuu. Don't rush it!

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Sairaisyuu' in more complex sentences, such as those involving conditions or reasons. For example, 'Sairaisyuu wa isogashii node, raisyuu aimashou' (Since I'm busy the week after next, let's meet next week). You can also use it to contrast different time periods. You should understand that 'Sairaisyuu' refers to the calendar week, whereas 'ni-shuukan-go' refers to a 14-day duration. This distinction will help you sound more like a native speaker when scheduling business or social events.

At the B2 level, 'Sairaisyuu' is used fluently in professional and academic contexts. You might use it in formal emails: 'Sairaisyuu no kaigi ni tsuite' (Regarding the meeting the week after next). You should also be aware of how it interacts with honorifics. For example, 'Sairaisyuu, o-me ni kakaretara to omoimasu' (I hope to be able to see you the week after next). At this level, you should also be familiar with the related terms 'sairaigetsu' and 'sairainen' and be able to use them interchangeably in discussions about long-term planning.

At the C1 level, you recognize the nuance of 'Sairaisyuu' in literary texts or formal speeches. You understand how speakers might use it to create a sense of anticipation or to set a specific scene in a narrative. You can also discuss the etymology of the kanji '再' (sai) and how it functions as a prefix in other complex vocabulary. Your usage should be flawless, including the correct omission or inclusion of particles based on the desired emphasis or tone of the conversation.

At the C2 level, 'Sairaisyuu' is such a basic building block that you can use it to explain more complex temporal concepts to others. You might compare the Japanese system of relative time (konsyuu, raisyuu, sairaisyuu) with other languages that lack such a concise way to express 'the week after next.' You understand the historical development of these terms and can use them in any register, from the most casual slang to the most formal diplomatic language, without hesitation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

再来週 in 30 Seconds

再来週 (Sairaisyuu) means 'the week after next.'
It is formed by 再 (again) + 来 (coming) + 週 (week).
It is used for scheduling events about two weeks in the future.
It is a neutral word used in both casual and formal Japanese.

The Japanese word 再来週 (Sairaisyuu) is a fundamental temporal noun used to denote the specific week that follows the upcoming one. In English, this is most accurately translated as 'the week after next.' Understanding this word is crucial for intermediate learners because Japanese time expressions follow a very logical, recursive pattern that allows speakers to navigate the calendar with precision. The word is composed of three distinct kanji characters: 再 (sai), meaning 'again' or 'twice'; 来 (rai), meaning 'to come'; and 週 (shuu), meaning 'week'. When combined, they literally describe the 'coming week, again,' or more conceptually, the week that arrives after the one we are currently anticipating.

Core Concept: The term functions as a relative time marker. Unlike a specific date (e.g., October 15th), its meaning shifts based on the current moment. If today is Monday, May 1st, 'this week' refers to the current week, 'next week' (来週) refers to the week starting May 8th, and Sairaisyuu refers to the week starting May 15th.
Temporal Relativity: In Japanese communication, maintaining clarity about future schedules is vital for social harmony (wa). Using 再来週 allows speakers to set expectations far enough in advance to be polite but close enough to be actionable. It is the 'sweet spot' for scheduling casual lunches, business follow-ups, or medical appointments.

「再来週の月曜日に会いましょうか。」
(Shall we meet on Monday of the week after next?)

A common invitation using the target word.

The usage of 再来週 is ubiquitous across all levels of Japanese society. From a student planning a study session to a salaryman scheduling a board meeting, the word provides a clear temporal anchor. It is worth noting that while English speakers sometimes say 'two weeks from now,' Japanese speakers almost exclusively use 再来週 when referring to the calendar week itself. This distinction is important: 'two weeks from now' (二週間後) focuses on the duration of fourteen days, whereas 再来週 focuses on the specific block of time on the calendar.

Furthermore, the prefix 再 (sai) is a powerful tool in the Japanese language. It appears in words like 再起動 (saikidou - restart) and 再会 (saikai - reunion). Its presence in 再来週 suggests a repetition of the 'coming' action. If 来週 is the first 'coming' week, 再来週 is the 'second coming' week. This logical progression makes it easier for learners to remember the sequence: 今週 (this week) → 来週 (next week) → 再来週 (week after next).

Register and Context: The word is neutral in register. It is perfectly acceptable in highly formal keigo (polite speech) contexts when paired with desu/masu, and equally at home in casual conversations with friends. For example, in a business email, one might write '再来週のご予定はいかがでしょうか' (How is your schedule for the week after next?), which sounds professional and organized.

「再来週から夏休みが始まります。」
(Summer vacation starts from the week after next.)

Using 再来週 (Sairaisyuu) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese particles and sentence structure. Because it is a noun that functions as a temporal adverb, it often appears at the beginning of a sentence to set the scene, or it is linked to other nouns using the particle の (no). Unlike 'next week' in English, which can sometimes stand alone without a preposition, 再来週 frequently interacts with particles like に (ni) for specific timing, から (kara) for start points, and まで (made) for deadlines.

The 'No' Particle Connection: When you want to specify a particular day within that week, you must use the possessive particle の. For example, 'the Tuesday of the week after next' is 再来週の火曜日 (Sairaisyuu no kayoubi). This is the most common grammatical construction for scheduling.

「再来週の金曜日は空いていますか？」
(Are you free on Friday of the week after next?)

In terms of sentence placement, 再来週 usually precedes the verb. If it is the topic of the sentence, it can be followed by は (wa). For instance, 再来週は忙しいです (Sairaisyuu wa isogashii desu) means 'As for the week after next, I am busy.' Here, the speaker is setting the entire week as the timeframe for their busyness. If you are referring to an action that will happen during that week, the particle に is often used, though it is frequently omitted in casual speech, much like 'next week' in English.

Another frequent pattern involves the use of まで (until) and までに (by/no later than). If a boss says, 再来週までにレポートを出してください (Sairaisyuu made ni repooto o dashite kudasai), they are setting a deadline for some time during or by the start of the week after next. This is a critical distinction in a professional environment. Using まで (without に) would imply the action continues until that week, which might be confusing in the context of a submission.

Comparative Usage: Contrast 再来週 with 二週間後 (ni-shuukan-go). While 再来週 refers to the calendar week, 二週間後 refers to exactly 14 days from now. If today is Friday, 再来週 starts this coming Monday and ends the following Sunday. 二週間後 would be the Friday two weeks from today. Use 再来週 for general scheduling and 二週間後 for precise intervals.

「再来週の今頃は、もう日本にいません。」
(By this time the week after next, I won't be in Japan anymore.)

You will encounter 再来週 (Sairaisyuu) in almost every facet of Japanese life that involves planning. In a professional setting, it is the bread and butter of project management. During a 'shindanshitsu' (consultation) at a hospital, the doctor might say, 「では、また再来週に来てください」 (Well then, please come again the week after next). This establishes a clear follow-up routine. Similarly, in schools, teachers use it to announce upcoming exams or project deadlines, ensuring students have ample time to prepare.

In the Service Industry: When making a reservation at a popular restaurant or hair salon in Tokyo, the staff might tell you they are fully booked this week and next, suggesting 再来週 as the first available window. You'll hear: 「再来週の土曜日なら、お席がございます」 (If it's the Saturday of the week after next, we have seats available).

「再来週、出張で大阪に行きます。」
(I'm going to Osaka on a business trip the week after next.)

In casual social circles, 再来週 is often used to defer plans without sounding dismissive. If a friend asks to hang out but you are swamped, saying 「来週は無理だけど、再来週なら大丈夫！」 (Next week is impossible, but the week after next is fine!) is a polite way to show you still want to meet. It signals that your current busy period is temporary and that you are looking forward to future engagement. This 'future-looking' aspect of the word is very characteristic of Japanese social dynamics.

Moreover, in the context of seasonal events, 再来週 is used to pinpoint the peak of natural phenomena. For example, a weather forecaster might predict that the cherry blossoms will be at their best 再来週 in a particular region. This helps people plan their 'hanami' (flower viewing) parties. The word thus becomes a bridge between current anticipation and future enjoyment.

Logistics and Delivery: When ordering furniture or large items online (like on Amazon Japan or Rakuten), the delivery estimate might say 「再来週のお届けになります」 (Delivery will be the week after next). This is a standard phrase in Japanese e-commerce to manage customer expectations for items that are not in immediate stock.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with 再来週 (Sairaisyuu) is confusing it with 来週 (Raisyuu - next week). Because the words sound similar and share two out of three kanji, it is easy to drop the 再 prefix. However, this one-syllable difference can result in missed appointments or arriving a full week early. Always double-check if you are talking about the immediate next week or the one after that.

The 'Two Weeks' Confusion: Learners often try to translate 'in two weeks' literally as 二週間で (ni-shuukan de), which can mean 'within two weeks' or 'using two weeks.' While not strictly 'wrong' in all contexts, it is much less natural than saying 再来週 when referring to a specific event on the calendar. Avoid the literal translation and embrace the Japanese temporal noun.

❌ Incorrect: 二週間の中に会いましょう。
✅ Correct: 再来週会いましょう。
(The incorrect version sounds like 'Let's meet inside two weeks,' which is awkward.)

Another mistake involves the misinterpretation of 'week.' In some cultures, 'next week' might mean 'seven days from now.' In Japanese, 再来週 always refers to the calendar week. If today is Sunday (the end of the week in Japan) and you say 再来週, you are referring to the week that starts tomorrow (next week) and then the one after. However, if you say it on a Monday, you are skipping the current week and the next week. This nuance requires the speaker to be aware of where they are in the current seven-day cycle.

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation of the long 'u' sound at the end of 週 (shuu). Beginners often pronounce it as a short 'shu,' which can make the word sound clipped and potentially unrecognizable in fast conversation. The 'uu' should be held for two beats. Practice saying Sa-i-ra-i-shuu with a steady rhythm to ensure clarity.

Kanji Writing Errors: When writing, learners sometimes confuse 再 (sai) with 西 (nishi - west) or 両 (ryou - both) because of their similar rectangular shapes. Remember that 再 has a distinct internal structure (a horizontal line and a 'mouth' radical) that symbolizes 'repetition.'

To truly master 再来週 (Sairaisyuu), it helps to see it within the context of its linguistic family. Japanese has a very structured way of expressing time relative to 'now.' By learning the related terms, you can build a mental map of time that makes each individual word easier to recall.

The 'Week' Family

先々週 (Sensensyuu): The week before last.
先週 (Sensyuu): Last week.
今週 (Konsyuu): This week.
来週 (Raisyuu): Next week.
再来週 (Sairaisyuu): The week after next.

As you can see, the 'prefix + week' system is extremely consistent. Once you know 再来 means 'the one after next,' you can apply it to other units of time as well. This is a shortcut to expanding your vocabulary exponentially.

「再来月 (Sairaigetsu) は、もっと寒くなるでしょう。」
(It will probably get colder the month after next.)

Another alternative is 二週間後 (Ni-shuukan-go). As mentioned earlier, this is used when you want to emphasize a span of 14 days rather than a calendar week. For example, if you are taking medicine that needs to be refilled in exactly 14 days, the pharmacist will use 二週間後. In contrast, if you are planning a meeting that should happen sometime during that general week, 再来週 is more natural.

Finally, consider the word 次々回 (tsugitsugikai), which means 'the time after next' (in a series of meetings or events). While 再来週 specifically refers to time, 次々回 refers to the sequence. If you have a weekly meeting, the 次々回 of that meeting will occur in the 再来週. Understanding the difference between 'calendar time' and 'sequential order' is a hallmark of an advanced learner.

Summary of Alternatives

再来月 (Sairaigetsu): Month after next.
再来年 (Sairainen): Year after next.
二週間後 (Ni-shuukan-go): Two weeks later (duration-focused).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 再 (sai) is also used in 'Sayonara' (though written in hiragana), which historically comes from 'Sarababa' but relates to 'if it must be so, then...'. In 'Sairaisyuu', it clearly denotes repetition.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /saɪ.raɪ.ʃuː/

US /saɪ.raɪ.ʃu/

Flat pitch accent (Heiban style), meaning the pitch starts low and stays high throughout the word.

Rhymes With

来週 (Raisyuu) 今週 (Konsyuu) 先週 (Sensyuu) 改宗 (Kaisyuu) 回収 (Kaisyuu) 最終 (Saishuu) 買収 (Baishuu) 練習 (Rensyuu)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shuu' as a short 'shu'.
Mispronouncing 'rai' as 'ray'.
Dropping the 'i' in 'sai' (saying 'sa-ra-shuu').
Confusing the pitch accent with 'raishuu'.
Saying 'sa-rai-shuu-u' instead of a smooth long vowel.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Kanji are common but require attention to the 'Sai' character.

Writing 3/5

Writing 'Sai' and 'Shuu' correctly requires practice with stroke order.

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce if you remember the long vowel.

Listening 2/5

Must distinguish from 'Raisyuu' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

週来週今週先週月曜日

Learn Next

再来月再来年再来日二週間後翌週

Advanced

隔週再三再開来年度再考

Grammar to Know

Relative Time Adverbs

再来週は particles are often optional.

Noun + No + Noun

再来週の月曜日 (Monday of the week after next).

Kara / Made

再来週から (from), 再来週まで (until).

Future Intent with 'Tsumori'

再来週、旅行に行くつもりです。

Polite Invitations with 'Masen ka'

再来週、会いませんか？

Examples by Level

再来週、日本に行きます。

The week after next, I will go to Japan.

再来週 is used as a time adverb here.

再来週、休みです。

I have a holiday the week after next.

Simple noun + desu structure.

テストは再来週です。

The test is the week after next.

Focusing on the time of an event.

再来週、友達と会います。

I will meet my friend the week after next.

Using 'to' for 'with friend'.

再来週は暇ですか？

Are you free the week after next?

Using 'wa' to mark the topic.

再来週、買い物をします。

I will go shopping the week after next.

Future action.

再来週、映画を見ます。

I will watch a movie the week after next.

Simple verb phrase.

再来週、また来てください。

Please come again the week after next.

Te-form + kudasai for a polite request.

再来週の月曜日に電話します。

I will call you on Monday of the week after next.

Using 'no' to connect the week and the day.

再来週のパーティーに来ませんか？

Won't you come to the party the week after next?

Negative question as a polite invitation.

レポートは再来週までに出してください。

Please submit the report by the week after next.

Using 'made ni' for a deadline.

再来週から新しい仕事が始まります。

My new job starts from the week after next.

Using 'kara' for the starting point.

再来週の天気はどうでしょうか？

How will the weather be the week after next?

Asking for information about the future.

再来週の土曜日は予定があります。

I have plans on Saturday of the week after next.

Stating a schedule.

再来週まで、この本を貸してください。

Please lend me this book until the week after next.

Using 'made' for duration.

再来週、家族と一緒に旅行します。

I will travel with my family the week after next.

Using 'to issho ni' for 'together with'.

再来週になれば、もっと忙しくなるでしょう。

If it becomes the week after next, it will likely become busier.

Using the conditional 'ba' form.

来週は無理ですが、再来週なら時間が取れます。

Next week is impossible, but if it's the week after next, I can find time.

Using 'nara' to provide a condition/alternative.

再来週の今頃は、もうハワイにいるはずです。

By this time the week after next, I should already be in Hawaii.

Using 'hazu' to express expectation.

再来週までに、準備を終わらせておきます。

I will finish the preparations by the week after next.

Using 'te-oku' for doing something in advance.

再来週の会議の資料を、今から作ります。

I'm going to make the materials for the meeting the week after next starting now.

Connecting multiple nouns with 'no'.

再来週の金曜日は、祝日でお休みです。

The Friday of the week after next is a national holiday and we are off.

Using 'de' to state a reason (holiday).

再来週の予定を確認してから、返事します。

I'll reply after I check my schedule for the week after next.

Using 'te kara' for sequence of actions.

再来週、引っ越しをする予定です。

I plan to move the week after next.

Using 'yotei desu' for plans.

再来週のプレゼンに向けて、チームで協力しましょう。

Let's cooperate as a team toward the presentation the week after next.

Using 'ni mukete' for 'aiming towards'.

再来週までには、詳細なスケジュールをお送りできると思います。

I think I will be able to send you the detailed schedule by the week after next.

Using 'to omoimasu' for polite estimation.

再来週の出張が延期になったと聞きました。

I heard that the business trip the week after next has been postponed.

Using 'to kikimashita' to report news.

再来週のイベントは、天候次第で中止になる可能性があります。

There is a possibility the event the week after next will be canceled depending on the weather.

Using 'shidai' (depending on) and 'kanousei' (possibility).

再来週、新しいシステムが導入されることになっています。

It has been decided that a new system will be introduced the week after next.

Using 'koto ni natte iru' for established plans.

再来週の今ごろ、私たちはどこにいるのでしょうか。

I wonder where we will be by this time the week after next.

Using 'deshou ka' for a reflective question.

再来週の月曜日から、営業時間が変更になります。

Business hours will change starting from Monday of the week after next.

Formal announcement structure.

再来週の締め切りに間に合うように、作業を急いでください。

Please hurry the work so as to make it in time for the deadline the week after next.

Using 'you ni' for purpose.

再来週の会合にて、本件に関する最終決定を下す予定です。

At the gathering the week after next, we plan to make a final decision regarding this matter.

Formal particle 'nite' used instead of 'de'.

再来週に控えた選挙の結果が、国政に大きな影響を与えるだろう。

The results of the election scheduled for the week after next will likely have a major impact on national politics.

Using 'hikaeta' to describe an upcoming event.

再来週の公演を最後に、彼女は舞台から退くことを決意した。

She decided to retire from the stage with the performance the week after next as her last.

Using 'o saigo ni' for 'with ... as the last'.

再来週の落成式には、多くの著名人が出席する見込みだ。

Many celebrities are expected to attend the completion ceremony the week after next.

Using 'mikomi' for expectation/prospect.

再来週まで持ち越された議論は、依然として平行線をたどっている。

The discussion carried over to the week after next remains at a standstill.

Metaphorical expression 'heikousen o tadoru'.

再来週の着工を前に、近隣住民への説明会が行われた。

Prior to the start of construction the week after next, a briefing for neighborhood residents was held.

Using 'o mae ni' for 'prior to'.

再来週の今夜、満月が最も美しく見えるという。

They say the full moon will look most beautiful tonight the week after next.

Reporting hearsay with 'to iu'.

再来週の納期を厳守するよう、改めて通達があった。

There was a renewed notice to strictly adhere to the delivery deadline the week after next.

Using 'genshu suru' for 'strictly adhere'.

再来週に及ぶ長期の交渉も、ようやく妥結の兆しが見えてきた。

Signs of a settlement have finally appeared for the long negotiations extending into the week after next.

Using 'ni oyobu' for 'extending to'.

再来週の佳き日に、新社屋の地鎮祭を執り行う運びとなった。

It has been arranged to hold the ground-breaking ceremony for the new office building on an auspicious day the week after next.

Using 'yoki hi' and 'hakobi to natta' for formal arrangements.

再来週の総会での発言が、彼の今後の進退を左右することになる。

His remarks at the general meeting the week after next will determine his future course of action.

Using 'shintai o sayuu suru' for 'decide one's fate'.

再来週に予定されている学術シンポジウムの基調講演を拝命した。

I have been honored with the task of giving the keynote speech at the academic symposium scheduled for the week after next.

Humble verb 'haimei suru'.

再来週の開票を待たずして、大勢は決したと言っても過言ではない。

It is no exaggeration to say that the general trend has been decided without waiting for the ballot counting the week after next.

Using 'mazu shite' for 'without waiting for'.

再来週の創立記念行事の一環として、慈善バザーが催される。

A charity bazaar will be held as part of the anniversary events the week after next.

Using 'ikkan to shite' for 'as part of'.

再来週の法要に際し、親族一同が故郷に集う。

On the occasion of the Buddhist memorial service the week after next, all the relatives will gather in their hometown.

Using 'ni saishi' for 'on the occasion of'.

再来週の今頃、我々は新たな時代の幕開けを目撃することになるだろう。

By this time the week after next, we will likely witness the dawn of a new era.

Poetic expression 'makuake o mokugeki suru'.

Common Collocations

再来週の月曜日

再来週まで

再来週までに

再来週から

再来週の予定

再来週の今頃

再来週の週末

再来週の頭

再来週の半ば

再来週の終わり

Common Phrases

再来週なら大丈夫です

— It's fine if it's the week after next.

来週は忙しいですが、再来週なら大丈夫です。

再来週にしましょう

— Let's make it the week after next.

打ち合わせは再来週にしましょう。

再来週のいつがいいですか？

— When in the week after next is good for you?

再来週のいつがいいですか？月曜日か火曜日？

再来週までお預かりします

— We will keep it for you until the week after next.

お荷物は再来週までお預かりします。

再来週から本気出す

— I'll start trying hard from the week after next (slang/meme).

ダイエットは再来週から本気出す。

再来週に延期する

— To postpone to the week after next.

試合を再来週に延期することになった。

再来週の放送

— The broadcast the week after next.

再来週の放送をお楽しみに。

再来週に会いましょう

— Let's meet the week after next.

じゃあ、再来週に会いましょう。

再来週までに返信ください

— Please reply by the week after next.

ご確認の上、再来週までに返信ください。

再来週の分

— The portion for the week after next.

再来週の分の仕事も終わらせた。

Often Confused With

再来週 vs 来週

Means 'next week'. Missing the 'sai' prefix changes the date by 7 days.

再来週 vs 再来月

Means 'month after next'. Easy to confuse the 'shuu' and 'getsu' endings.

再来週 vs 二週間後

Means 'two weeks later'. Focuses on duration, not the calendar week.

Idioms & Expressions

"再来週の風が吹く"

— A made-up or rare variation of 'tomorrow's wind will blow', implying things will work out eventually.

まあ、再来週の風が吹くさ。

Informal

"再来週の約束は雲を掴むよう"

— Planning that far ahead is uncertain/vague.

再来週の約束は雲を掴むようだ。

Literary

"再来週を指折り数える"

— To look forward to the week after next with great anticipation.

旅行まで、再来週を指折り数えている。

Neutral

"再来週に持ち越す"

— To carry something over to the week after next.

この問題は再来週に持ち越しましょう。

Business

"再来週の楽しみ"

— Something to look forward to in the week after next.

再来週の楽しみのために頑張る。

Neutral

"再来週の今、どこにいる"

— Reflecting on where one will be in the near future.

再来週の今、どこにいるかな。

Casual

"再来週からの再スタート"

— A fresh start from the week after next.

再来週からの再スタートを切る。

Neutral

"再来週まで待てない"

— Can't wait until the week after next.

楽しみすぎて、再来週まで待てない！

Casual

"再来週の運勢"

— Fortune/horoscope for the week after next.

雑誌で再来週の運勢をチェックする。

Neutral

"再来週の空"

— The weather/sky of the week after next.

再来週の空は晴れるといいな。

Poetic

Easily Confused

再来週 vs 先々週

Opposite direction in time.

Sensensyuu is the week before last; Sairaisyuu is the week after next.

先々週は京都にいましたが、再来週は大阪に行きます。

再来週 vs 再来年

Same prefix, different unit.

Sairainen is the year after next; Sairaisyuu is the week after next.

再来週はテストですが、再来年は卒業です。

再来週 vs 今週

Both refer to weeks.

Konsyuu is the current week; Sairaisyuu is two weeks ahead.

今週は暇ですが、再来週は忙しいです。

再来週 vs 次週

Synonym for next week.

Jishuu is 'next week' (more formal); Sairaisyuu is 'week after next'.

次週の予告と、再来週の特番。

再来週 vs 翌週

Means 'the following week'.

Yokushuu is relative to a specific event; Sairaisyuu is relative to 'now'.

イベントの翌週、つまり再来週に会いましょう。

Sentence Patterns

再来週、[Verb-masu].

再来週、行きます。

再来週の[Day]に[Verb-masu].

再来週の火曜日に会います。

再来週なら、[Verb-potential].

再来週なら、行けます。

再来週までに、[Verb-te]おきます。

再来週までに、準備しておきます。

再来週に[Noun]を控えている。

再来週に試験を控えている。

再来週の[Noun]に際し、[Verb].

再来週の式典に際し、祝辞を述べる。

再来週は[Adjective]です。

再来週は忙しいです。

再来週の予定は[Noun]です。

再来週の予定は旅行です。

Word Family

Nouns

再来月 (Sairaigetsu)

再来年 (Sairainen)

再来日 (Sairainichi)

Verbs

再来する (Sairai suru - to come again/revisit)

週 (Shuu)

来 (Rai)

再 (Sai)

次 (Tsugi)

後 (Ato)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and business.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'Ni-shuukan' instead of 'Sairaisyuu' for a calendar week. → 再来週
Ni-shuukan means 'two weeks' (duration), whereas Sairaisyuu is 'the week after next' (calendar).
Using 'ni' with 'Sairaisyuu' when it's the subject. → 再来週は忙しいです。
Time words as subjects take 'wa', not 'ni'.
Confusing 'Sairaisyuu' with 'Sensensyuu'. → 再来週 (Future)
Sensensyuu is the week before last (past).
Writing '西' instead of '再'. → 再来週
Nishi (West) looks similar but has a different meaning and stroke count.
Mispronouncing 'Sairaisyuu' as 'Sairashuu'. → Sairaisyuu
The 'i' in 'rai' must be audible as a separate beat.

Tips

Particle Choice

Use 'wa' for the topic, 'ni' for a specific point, and 'no' to link with days. Avoid 'o' as it's not an object.

Long Vowels

The 'uu' in 'shuu' is vital. If you say it too short, it sounds like 'shu' (prefecture/sect), which is confusing.

Safe Scheduling

In Japan, suggesting 'Sairaisyuu' is a polite way to give someone space while still making a firm commitment.

The 'Double Rai' Rule

Think of it as 'Rai-Rai-Shuu' (Come-Come-Week). Two 'comes' means two weeks away.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to '再'. The middle part is written before the bottom enclosing line.

Catch the 'S'

The 'S' in 'Sai' is your first warning that the speaker is talking about two weeks out, not just one.

Deadline Clarity

Always clarify if 'Sairaisyuu made ni' means the start of the week or the end of the week to avoid friction.

Soft Refusal

Use 'Sairaisyuu nara...' to gently decline a 'Raisyuu' invitation without being rude.

Expand the Pattern

Once you know Sairaisyuu, immediately learn Sairaigetsu (month) and Sairainen (year). The logic is identical.

Calendar Practice

Every Monday, look at your calendar and identify which week is 'Raisyuu' and which is 'Sairaisyuu'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sigh-Rye-Shoe'. You 'Sigh' because you have to wait, you eat 'Rye' bread while waiting, and then you put on your 'Shoes' the week after next.

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar. Today is a dot. Next week is one arrow. The week after next is two arrows (再).

Word Web

Calendar Future Planning Next Week Monday Appointment Schedule Wait

Challenge

Try to use '再来週' in three different sentences today: one for a friend, one for a teacher, and one in your diary.

Word Origin

Composed of Sino-Japanese (On-yomi) readings of three kanji: 再, 来, and 週.

Original meaning: The week that comes again after the next one.

Japonic / Sino-Japanese vocabulary.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but ensure you don't confuse it with 'Raisyuu' in a business setting to avoid being late.

English speakers often use 'two weeks from now,' which is more duration-focused than the calendar-focused 'sairaisyuu'.

Used in many J-Drama scripts for dramatic reunions. Commonly heard in 'Next Episode' previews of anime. A staple word in business Japanese textbooks like Genki or Minna no Nihongo.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Scheduling

再来週の月曜日は空いていますか？
再来週までに資料を送ります。
再来週、出張に行きます。
再来週の会議を予約しました。

School Life

再来週、中間テストがあります。
再来週の宿題は何ですか？
再来週から夏休みです。
再来週、文化祭があります。

Healthcare

再来週、また診察に来てください。
再来週の予約を変更したいです。
再来週、検査の結果が出ます。
再来週から薬が変わります。

Social Events

再来週、飲み会をしましょう。
再来週の土曜日は空いてる？
再来週、映画を見に行こう。
再来週のパーティー、楽しみ！

E-commerce

再来週のお届けになります。
再来週、新商品が発売されます。
再来週までセール中です。
再来週に再入荷します。

Conversation Starters

"再来週の予定はもう決まっていますか？ (Do you already have plans for the week after next?)"

"再来週、一緒にランチに行きませんか？ (Would you like to go to lunch together the week after next?)"

"再来週の天気予報、見ましたか？ (Did you see the weather forecast for the week after next?)"

"再来週の連休、どこかへ行きますか？ (Are you going anywhere during the long holiday the week after next?)"

"再来週のドラマの最終回、楽しみですね。 (I'm looking forward to the final episode of the drama the week after next.)"

Journal Prompts

再来週までに達成したい目標を三つ書いてください。 (Write three goals you want to achieve by the week after next.)

再来週の自分へのメッセージを書いてください。 (Write a message to your future self in the week after next.)

再来週、もし一週間休みだったら何をしたいですか？ (If you had a week off the week after next, what would you want to do?)

再来週の予定を詳しく英語と日本語で書いてみましょう。 (Try writing your schedule for the week after next in detail in English and Japanese.)

再来週、誰に会いたいですか？その理由も書いてください。 (Who do you want to see the week after next? Write the reason too.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In Japan, while many calendars start on Sunday, the business and school week is usually thought of as starting on Monday. When someone says 'Sairaisyuu,' they generally mean the seven-day period starting two Mondays from now.

Yes, you can pair it with any day: 'Sairaisyuu no getsuyoubi' through 'Sairaisyuu no nichiyoubi.' It's very versatile.

'Sairaisyuu' is the calendar week (e.g., the 3rd week of the month). 'Ni-shuukan-go' is exactly 14 days from today. If today is Wednesday, 'Ni-shuukan-go' is specifically that Wednesday two weeks later, while 'Sairaisyuu' covers the whole week.

Yes, it is neutral. To make it more polite, use it in a sentence like '再来週のご予定を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか？'

Think of it as the 'walking' radical on the left and the 'circumference/lap' radical on the right. You are 'walking a lap' around the seven days.

No, that is not a standard word. For three weeks or more, use 'San-shuukan-go' (three weeks later) or 'Raigetsu' (next month).

Not really, but in casual text, people might write '再来週' as 'さらいしゅう' or even use abbreviations in very informal chat, though it's rare.

'Sai' (再) means again. It implies the 'coming' (来) happens one more time after the first one.

Yes, e.g., '再来週は楽しみです' (The week after next is [something] I'm looking forward to).

Yes, frequently, to announce future events, though 'yoku-yoku-shuu' might appear in very formal written reports.