3

These word pairs both seem to mean "Convenient/Inconvenient". But what is the difference between them and usage cases?

From looking at their kanji and a few example sentences, this is what I've come up with. Is this correct?

  • 便利/不便: A physical object is convenient. e.g., "This tool is convenient"
  • 都合がいい/悪い: A situation is convenient. e.g., "That day is convenient"

1 Answer 1

5

都合 means more like circumstances or condition. 都合がいい would literally translate to the circumstances are favorable (on a particular day), which makes the meaning of "that day is convenient (favorable) for me".

便利 (as suggested by its kanjis, 便 - convenience; and 利 - profit, benefit) means advantageous/profitable convenience, i.e. useful or handy. A situation will be favorable and an object would be convenient.

So looking at your examples, they seem correct.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .