Meaning and Usage
"経過" (けいか) primarily refers to the passage or progress of time, events, or processes. It is often used in formal or professional contexts such as medical reports, project updates, or describing how something develops over time.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "経過" in medical settings to describe how a patient's condition is progressing (e.g., 手術の経過). It is also common in business or academic environments when reporting on the progress of work or experiments.
Collocations and Patterns
- 経過時間 (けいかじかん): elapsed time, used to specify how much time has passed.
- 経過報告 (けいかほうこく): progress report, a formal update on ongoing work.
- 時間の経過とともに: as time passes, a phrase to indicate change over time.
Nuances and Tips
"経過" emphasizes the process or passage rather than a sudden change. It is more formal than words like "進む" (to advance) or "過ぎる" (to pass). Learners should avoid confusing "経過" with "結果" (result), as "経過" focuses on the ongoing process, not the outcome.
Use "経過" when you want to highlight how something unfolds or develops over time, especially in formal or written Japanese.