1.
peacetime; normal times; ordinary times
A period when there is no war, crisis, or emergency — the normal, stable state of affairs. Used to contrast with wartime, emergencies, or exceptional circumstances.
平時の備えが大切だ。
Being prepared during normal times is important.
平時であれば問題にならない。
Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be a problem.
平時から災害に対する訓練をしておくべきだ。
We should conduct disaster drills even during ordinary times.
Composed of 平 (flat, peaceful) and 時 (time). Describes the default, non-crisis state of affairs. Originally a military term contrasting with 戦時 (wartime), but now used more broadly to contrast with any emergency or exceptional situation.
USAGE:
Common in news, policy discussions, and formal writing. Often appears in the pattern 平時から (from/during normal times), emphasizing the importance of preparation before a crisis.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 平時の備え — peacetime preparedness
- 平時から — even in normal times, starting from peacetime
- 平時体制 — peacetime system/structure
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 戦時 — wartime; the primary antonym
- 有事 — emergency, crisis; the broader antonym covering any serious situation
- 普段 — usually, normally; the everyday casual equivalent