Hi Nanako, They are two totally different words. You cannot replace one with the other. contingency: a possible future plan or idea emergency: an unexpected dangerous situation that needs immediate action In context: The fire department have a contingency plan if the bushfire emergency becomes very bad.

Like the others have said these two words are not the same but can be used in similar situations. I'll just provide examples: - The wedding is supposed to be outside but the contingency plan if it rains is to move the ceremony into the church. - I had to use my emergency money when my car broke down. - When traveling it's a good idea to have some contingency money in case your travel plans have to change. - Every family should have an emergency plan in case of a fire or intruder in their home.

I can see why the difference may not be clear to you, as in Japanese, you use 非常 for both words. A contingency plan is simply an alternative, or a back-up plan in case something unexpected happens. The unexpected outcome may or may not be an emergency, and often in fact, is not - it is just a different outcome from the one originally planned for. Let's say you plan on flying home to visit your relatives in Golden Week, but you have a contingency plan (an alternative plan) to drive, or take the shinkansen, if the flights are cancelled due to bad weather, or you are unable to get bookings. 分かりましたか。