Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 暫くの | shibaraku no |
| 暫時の | zanji no |
| 一時的な | ichijiteki na |
Japanese has several ways to express that something is temporary, depending on whether you are describing a transient state or a specific duration of time. 一時的な is the most common way to express that a situation or state is temporary or transient. In contrast, 暫くの is typically used to describe a duration of time that is 'for a little while'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 一時的 is composed of 一 (one), 時 (time) and the suffix 的 (meaning '-like'), literally meaning 'one-time-like'.
Which one should you use?
一時的な is the standard term for describing a temporary state or measure. 暫くの focuses on a short period of time rather than a structural temporary status. 暫時の is a highly formal, literary term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
暫時の is used in official documents or very stiff writing.
How does it change in a sentence?
一時的な is a na-adjective, which means it requires the particle な when modifying a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
shibaraku no
Did you know?
- The concept of transience is central to Japanese culture through the term mono no aware, which is an appreciation for the beauty of things that are temporary, such as cherry blossoms.
- While 一時的 describes a temporary state, the word ichigo ichie expresses the idea that a specific temporary meeting is a once-in-a-lifetime event that will never be repeated.
- If you use the formal 暫時 in a modern conversation, you might sound like a character from a historical samurai drama or a legal textbook.
Examples in context
- 一時的なものです。It's a temporary condition.This sentence is useful for describing a temporary condition using 一時的な.Tatoeba #190581 by bunbuku, translation #27742 by CK
- ほんの一時的な処置です。It's only a temporary fix.This sentence is useful for describing a temporary fix using 一時的な.Tatoeba #8662233 by bunbuku, translation #3591019 by CK
- この取り決めは一時的なものでしかない。This arrangement is only temporary.This sentence is useful for describing an arrangement that is only temporary using 一時的な.Tatoeba #221361 by tommy__san, translation #58686 by CK
- 彼は 一時的 に外国で働く予定だ。He plans to work abroad temporarily.
- 明日は 仮の 予定だから、変更があるかもしれない。Tomorrow's plan is provisional, so there might be some changes.
- 駅前に 臨時の 駐車場が設置されます。A temporary parking lot will be set up in front of the station.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are discussing a short-term living arrangement.
- 蓮 Renここは暫くの住まいにするつもりだ。Koko wa shibaraku no sumai ni suru tsumori da.I plan to make this a temporary residence.
- 美咲 Misakiいつまでここにいるの？Itsu made koko ni iru no?How long are you staying here?
- 蓮 Ren来月には新しい家が見つかるはずだよ。Raigetsu ni wa atarashii ie ga mitsukaru hazu da yo.I should find a new house by next month.
- 美咲 Misakiそれなら、ちょうどいい期間ね。Sorenara, choudo ii kikan ne.In that case, it's the perfect amount of time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “temporary” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
