セカンドチャンス
sekando chansu
The English phrase "second chance" is translated into Japanese as セカンドチャンス (sekando chansu).
セカンドチャンス is used to describe an opportunity to redeem oneself. You may also encounter the more formal expression 再度の機会 (saido no kikai) when you want to convey the idea of "another opportunity" or "another chance" in a formal and polite manner.
Meaning: opportunity to redeem oneself (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
sekando chansu
Did you know?
- Japanese uses カタカナ (katakana), a script usually reserved for foreign words, to write セカンドチャンス, signaling that the specific nuance of 'redemption' here is an adopted Western concept.
- In Japanese business culture, a 'second chance' after a major failure is often linked to the concept of 再起 (saiki), which describes the act of rising again from a fallen state.
- When asking for a 'second chance' in a romantic context, Japanese speakers often avoid the loanword セカンドチャンス and instead use phrases centered on お願い (onegai), emphasizing a plea for forgiveness.
Examples in context
- 再度の機会をいただけますでしょうか。Could I have another opportunity?
- 変な答えを出しちゃったからもう一回やり直したい。I gave a weird answer, so I want to try again.
- 失敗したけど、セカンドチャンスを待っている。Shippai shita kedo, sekando chansu o matte iru.I failed, but I am waiting for a second chance.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a job interview mistake.
- 美咲 Misakiミスをしたけど、セカンドチャンスはあるかな？Misu o shita kedo, sekando chansu wa aru kana?I made a mistake, but I wonder if there is a second chance?
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲なら、きっと大丈夫だよ。Misaki nara, kitto daijoubu da yo.If it's you, Misaki, I'm sure you'll be fine.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔にそう言ってもらえると嬉しい。Hiroto ni sou itte moraeru to ureshii.I'm happy to hear you say that, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto次こそ、挽回の機会にしよう。Tsugi koso, bankai no kikai ni shiyou.Let's make the next one your chance to redeem yourself.
