How to say "defer" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 繰り下げるくりさげるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers deferring by moving something down to a later date or stage, such as a payment, event, or decision. It emphasizes the change in timing or order rather than leaving a matter open.
- 繰り延べるくりのべるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers deferring in the sense of postponing or rescheduling something, such as a payment deadline or a decision, to a later time. It suggests a deliberate delay rather than cancellation.
- 持ち越すもちこすgodan verb, transitive verbCovers deferring when an issue, decision, or unfinished work is carried over or carried forward to a later occasion. It implies the matter remains unresolved and is brought to the next stage rather than simply rescheduled.
All three can translate 'defer' in the sense of putting something off; 「繰り下げる」 shifts a date or payment later, 「繰り延べる」 postpones or reschedules it, and 「持ち越す」 carries an undecided matter forward to later.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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