JLPT N2 Vocabulary – Difference between “余裕”, “余分” and “余計”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “余裕“, “余分” and “余計“
2. 余裕
3. 余分
4. 余計
5. Let’s Compare
6. Summary
7. Quiz
8. Similar Articles
9. Comment
Q: Is there a difference between “余裕“, “余分” and “余計“？
A: These words all express the idea of “excess,” but they need to be used appropriately depending on the situation or context.
余裕 (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
① A state or demeanor of being calm and composed without haste
② Having an excess or surplus; a state of having more than what is necessary
[Examples]
今日はプレゼンがあるのに、鈴木さんは余裕がありそうですね。（①）
Even though there’s a presentation today, Mr. Suzuki seems to be quite composed.
出発の時間までまだ余裕があります。（②）
There’s still plenty of time before the departure.
余分 (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
① Something left over; the remaining portion
② Being more than necessary; a state that exceeds an appropriate amount
③ Something that is unnecessary or beyond what is needed
[Examples]
いくつか余分が出ました。（①）
Some extras were left over.
塩を余分に加えてしまいました。（②）
I accidentally added extra salt.
余分なことは深く考えないほうがいいです。（③）
It’s better not to think too much about unnecessary things.
In the case of usage ①, the expression “余分が出る” (extra remains) is commonly used. For example, it is often used to refer to portions left over from planned budgets or schedules.
余計 (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
① A state where the quantity exceeds what is necessary
② Actions or things that go beyond the required scope, resulting in waste or becoming an obstacle
③ A situation that intensifies further, amplifying its impact
[Examples]
切符を余計に買ってしまいました。（①）
I ended up buying extra tickets.
励ますつもりが余計な一言を言ってしまいました。（②）
I intended to encourage them, but I ended up saying something unnecessary.
近道のはずが道に迷って余計に時間がかかりました。（③）
It was supposed to be a shortcut, but I got lost and it took extra time.
Let’s Compare
[余裕]
It is used to describe a state of mental, temporal, or spatial ease. It carries a strong positive connotation and indicates a calm and composed state in any situation.
[Examples]
今日はプレゼンがあるのに、鈴木さんは余裕がありそうですね。（精神的）
Even though there’s a presentation today, Mr. Suzuki seems to be quite composed. (mental-related)
まだ出発の時間まで余裕があるから、お茶でもして待とうか。（時間的）
There’s still plenty of time before departure, so how about having some tea while we wait? (time-related)
このスペースに余裕があるから、棚でも置こうかな。（空間的）
There’s enough space here, so maybe we can put a shelf. (space-related)
[余分・余計]
These two words have similar meanings and can sometimes be interchangeable when expressing a state of “being more than necessary,” depending on the context. However, “余計” often carries a negative nuance, so caution is needed when using it.
[Examples]
ケーキを余分に買ってしまったから、明日のデザートにしよう。（肯定的：前向きな活用）
I ended up buying extra cakes, so let’s have them for tomorrow’s dessert. (positive: proactive utilization)
ケーキを余計に買ってしまったけど、誰も食べないだろうな。（否定的：不必要なものとしての捉え方）
I bought too many cakes, but I doubt anyone will eat them. (negative: seen as unnecessary)
⇒ Both terms express “being more than necessary,” and using either is acceptable.
[余計]
“余計” places more emphasis on the excess than “余分.” It is used not only for objects but also for people’s words and actions, carrying the meaning of being unnecessary or intrusive. Additionally, it often causes discomfort to others and is typically used with a negative connotation.
[Examples]
ぼくが余計なことを言わなければ、彼女は泣かなかったでしょう。
If I hadn’t said something unnecessary, she wouldn’t have cried.
⇒ The unnecessary remark ended up making the other person uncomfortable.
親切な気持ちでしようとしたことが、余計なお世話だと言われて悲しかったです。
I felt sad when what I did out of kindness was called unnecessary meddling.
⇒ An action that the speaker intended as kindness was perceived as unpleasant by the other person.
Now, in the following sentences, which word is appropriate?
時間に（①余裕・余分・余計）がなかったから、タクシーに乗ったのに渋滞で（②余裕・余分・余計）に時間がかかりました。
Correct answers:：①余裕、②余計
時間に余裕がなかったから、タクシーに乗ったのに渋滞で余計に時間がかかりました。
I didn’t have much time, so I took a taxi, but the traffic jam ended up taking even more time.
“余裕” in ① refers to “a margin of time.”
“余計” in ② indicates “a state where something increased,” expressing that the time taken exceeded expectations.
Summary
[余裕]
- Indicates a state of mental, temporal, or physical composure and relaxation.
[余分]
- Refers to an excessive amount beyond what is necessary.
- Depending on the context, it can be used in both positive and negative situations.
[余計]
- Emphasizes an excessive amount beyond what is necessary, often carrying a negative nuance.
- Refers to actions or words that are unnecessary or disruptive, causing discomfort to others.
- Also denotes a situation that worsens or escalates undesirably.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 余計
余計なことを言って、母に怒られてしまいました。
I said something unnecessary and ended up being scolded by my mother.
*”余計” is the correct answer because it caused discomfort to my mom.
A. 余分
余分に出たお金は、無駄遣いしないで貯金しよう。
Let’s save the extra money instead of wasting it.
*”余分” is the correct answer as it refers to the leftover portion of the original amount of money.
A. 余裕
今日は忙しいのに、マネージャーは余裕がある様子です。
Even though today is busy, the manager seems to be at ease.
*”余裕” is the correct answer because it describes the manager’s relaxed demeanor.
