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B1 noun #3,500 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

目覚まし

mezamashi Top 3,500

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Erklärung 目覚まし in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'mezamashi' means 'alarm clock.' You will likely see it in basic lessons about daily routines. You should learn it alongside words like 'okiru' (to wake up) and 'neru' (to sleep). At this stage, don't worry about the kanji; focus on the sound. Imagine a clock ringing and say 'mezamashi!' You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Mezamashi desu' (It is an alarm clock) or 'Mezamashi wa doko desu ka?' (Where is the alarm clock?). It's one of the first 'utility' nouns you'll encounter when talking about your bedroom or morning schedule. The concept is universal, so it's an easy word to attach to your existing mental image of a clock. Just remember that in Japanese, we often drop the word 'clock' (dokei) and just say 'mezamashi.' This makes it shorter and easier to remember than the full English phrase. Practice saying it three times every morning when you wake up to your own alarm!

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For A2 learners, you should start using 'mezamashi' with basic particles and verbs. The most important combination is 'mezamashi o kakeru' (to set the alarm). You might use this when talking about your plans for the next day. You should also recognize the kanji: 目 (eye) and 覚 (awake). Even if you can't write '覚' yet, recognizing '目' helps you understand the 'eye-awakening' meaning. At this level, you can describe your routine: 'Watashi wa kuji ni mezamashi o kakemasu' (I set the alarm for 9 o'clock). You might also encounter the word in simple reading passages about school life. Understanding that 'mezamashi' is specifically for waking up—and not for a kitchen timer—is a key distinction at this level. You are moving from just knowing the object to knowing how to interact with it in Japanese. Try to use it when talking to a language partner about what time you have to get up for work or school.

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At the B1 level, 'mezamashi' becomes part of more complex sentence structures. You should be comfortable using it with the potential form (e.g., 'mezamashi ga nakute mo okirareru' - I can wake up even without an alarm) or conditional forms (e.g., 'mezamashi o kakenai to, chikoku suru yo' - If you don't set the alarm, you'll be late). You should also understand the nuance of the 'de' particle as a means: 'mezamashi no oto de okiru' (waking up by the sound of the alarm). At this stage, you might start seeing the word in media, like the 'Mezamashi TV' show, and understand the cultural implication of morning news. You are expected to know the difference between 'mezamashi' and 'araamu' (general alarm) and use them appropriately in context. You might also learn related compound words like 'mezamashi-dokei' for formal writing. Your vocabulary is expanding to include the 'feeling' of the word—the annoyance of a loud alarm or the relief of a soft one.

B2 learners should use 'mezamashi' in nuanced discussions about sleep hygiene or productivity. You might discuss the psychological effects of different alarm sounds or the pros and cons of using a smartphone versus a dedicated alarm clock. You should be able to use the word in passive constructions, such as 'mezamashi ni okosareta' (I was woken up by the alarm), which sounds more natural when describing an external force interrupting your sleep. You'll also encounter the word in more formal contexts or literature where it might be used metaphorically as an 'eye-opener' or a 'wake-up call' for a situation, though this is less common than the literal meaning. You should be familiar with various onomatopoeia associated with alarms (pipi, riri-n) and be able to describe the quality of the sound. Your ability to explain *why* you use a certain type of 'mezamashi' shows a higher level of fluency and cultural integration.

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At the C1 level, you are exploring the etymology and the subtle social implications of 'mezamashi.' You might analyze how the word is used in marketing for sleep-tech products or in academic papers regarding circadian rhythms ('tainai tokei' vs 'mezamashi'). You should be able to handle idiomatic-like uses and recognize when the word is being used satirically in social commentary about Japan's 'salaryman' culture and the pressure to be constantly 'awake' and productive. You can discuss the evolution of the word from its roots in the Edo period to its modern digital form. Your usage should be flawless, incorporating sophisticated particles and auxiliary verbs to express precise degrees of intent (e.g., 'mezamashi o kake-wasurete shimatta' - I completely forgot to set the alarm). You understand the deep connection between the 'mezamashi' and the social contract of punctuality in Japan.

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For C2 learners, 'mezamashi' is a simple tool in a vast linguistic shed. You can use it in high-level debates about the '24-hour society' and how the 'mezamashi' has fundamentally altered human biology. You might engage with literary texts where the 'mezamashi' serves as a symbol of the harsh intrusion of reality into the subconscious. You understand the most obscure references, such as historical 'mezamashi' devices or regional variations in how people refer to morning routines. You can effortlessly switch between 'mezamashi,' 'araamu,' and 'morning call' depending on the ultra-specific context (e.g., a luxury hotel stay vs. a camping trip). Your understanding is not just linguistic but philosophical; you see the 'mezamashi' as the boundary marker between 'on' and 'off' time in the Japanese psyche. You can explain the word's nuances to others with the depth of a native speaker, including its role in the lexicon of morning television and its impact on modern Japanese culture.

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目覚まし in 30 Sekunden

目覚まし (Mezamashi) is the common Japanese noun for an alarm clock, derived from 'eye' and 'awakening.'
It is usually paired with verbs like 'kakeru' (to set), 'naru' (to ring), and 'tomeru' (to stop).
While 'mezamashi-dokei' is the full formal name, 'mezamashi' is the preferred casual and natural version.
It is culturally significant in Japan, symbolizing punctuality and the start of the daily social routine.

The Japanese word 目覚まし (Mezamashi) is a quintessential noun in the daily life of any Japanese speaker. At its core, it refers to an alarm clock or any device used to wake someone from sleep. However, its linguistic roots offer a poetic glimpse into the Japanese conceptualization of waking up. The word is a compound of me (目, eye) and samashi (覚まし, the continuative form of samasu, meaning to wake up or clear). Literally, it translates to an 'eye-awakener.' This focus on the eyes opening is a common theme in Japanese sleep-related vocabulary.

Daily Utility: In modern Japan, where punctuality is not just a virtue but a social requirement, the 目覚まし is an indispensable tool. Whether it is a physical clock on a bedside table or an app on a smartphone, the term covers the function of the alarm itself.
Grammatical Nuance: While the full formal term is 目覚まし時計 (Mezamashi-dokei), in casual conversation, the 'dokei' (clock) part is frequently dropped, leaving just mezamashi to represent the concept of the alarm.

明日、早いから目覚ましをセットしておいて。
(Ashita, hayai kara mezamashi o setto shite oite.)
Since it's early tomorrow, set the alarm clock.

The word transcends mere hardware. It is used in media, such as the famous morning news program 'Mezamashi TV,' implying that the show itself serves as the 'eye-opener' for the nation. It carries a sense of duty and the start of a productive day. Interestingly, the psychological weight of the word is significant; hearing the sound of a mezamashi is often associated with the transition from the private world of dreams to the public world of work or school.

この目覚ましの音、すごくうるさいね。
(Kono mezamashi no oto, sugoku urusai ne.)
The sound of this alarm clock is really loud, isn't it?

Culturally, the mezamashi is linked to the concept of 'asanebo' (oversleeping). To forget to set your mezamashi is a common trope in anime and Japanese dramas, usually leading to a frantic dash to the train station. The reliability of one's mezamashi is a frequent topic of small talk among students and office workers alike.

Physical Form: Traditionally, these were twin-bell mechanical clocks. Today, they are mostly digital LCD displays or integrated smartphone features. Regardless of the technology, the noun mezamashi remains the dominant descriptor.

最近はスマホの目覚まししか使っていない。
(Saikin wa sumaho no mezamashi shika tsukatte inai.)
Lately, I only use my smartphone's alarm.

Using 目覚まし correctly requires understanding the verbs that typically accompany it. Because it is an object that 'does' something (rings) and something you 'interact' with (set or stop), specific collocations are vital for sounding natural. The most frequent verbs are kakeru (to set), naru (to ring), and tomeru (to stop).

Setting the Alarm: To say 'set an alarm,' we use 目覚ましをかける (mezamashi o kakeru) or 目覚ましをセットする (mezamashi o setto suru). The former is slightly more traditional Japanese, while the latter is very common in modern speech.

毎晩、七時に目覚ましをかけます。
(Maiban, shichiji ni mezamashi o kakemasu.)
I set the alarm for seven o'clock every night.

When the alarm actually goes off, we use the verb naru (鳴る). This verb is used for sounds produced by inanimate objects like bells, phones, or whistles. If you sleep through it, you would say mezamashi ni kizukanai (not noticing the alarm) or mezamashi o mushi suru (ignoring the alarm).

今朝、目覚ましが鳴らなかったんだ。
(Kesa, mezamashi ga naranakatta n da.)
The alarm didn't go off this morning (lit. didn't ring).

Stopping the Alarm: To 'turn off' or 'stop' the alarm, use 目覚ましを止める (mezamashi o tomeru). If you do it unconsciously while half-asleep, you might say muishiki ni mezamashi o tometa.

In more complex sentences, mezamashi can act as the subject or the object depending on the focus. If you want to emphasize that the alarm was the reason you woke up, you might say mezamashi de okiru (to wake up by means of the alarm). This 'de' particle indicates the tool used for the action.

目覚ましの音で目が覚めた。
(Mezamashi no oto de me ga sameta.)
I woke up due to the sound of the alarm.

You will encounter 目覚まし in a variety of real-world scenarios, from morning TV to household chores. It is a word deeply embedded in the rhythm of Japanese society. One of the most famous contexts is Mezamashi TV, a morning news show that has been airing on Fuji TV since 1994. Because of this show, the word is associated with the smell of coffee, the morning weather report, and the start of the daily commute.

In the Home: You'll hear parents telling children, 'ちゃんと目覚ましセットした？' (Did you set your alarm properly?). It's a key part of the 'shitsuke' (upbringing) regarding responsibility and time management.

お母さん、目覚ましが鳴っても起きないんだよ。
(Okaasan, mezamashi ga nattemo okinai n da yo.)
Mom, I don't wake up even when the alarm rings.

In retail environments, such as electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera, you will see a whole section labeled 目覚まし時計. Here, the word is used formally to categorize products. You might hear a clerk ask, 'どのような目覚ましをお探しですか？' (What kind of alarm clock are you looking for?).

強力な振動の目覚ましが必要だ。
(Kyoryoku na shindo no mezamashi ga hitsuyo da.)
I need an alarm clock with a powerful vibration.

In fiction—manga, anime, and novels—the mezamashi is a plot device. It signifies the beginning of a journey or the failure to start one. The sound effect 'Ri-n Ri-n' (for old bells) or 'Pi-pi-pi' (for digital beeps) often accompanies the word in panels. It serves as a transition marker between the internal world of the character and the external reality.

While 目覚まし seems straightforward, English speakers often make nuanced errors when translating 'alarm' directly into Japanese. The most common mistake is using the loanword araamu (アラーム) in situations where mezamashi is more natural, or vice versa.

Mistake 1: Overusing 'Araamu': While 'araamu' is understood, it is often used for security alarms, fire alarms, or general notifications. For the specific purpose of waking up in the morning, mezamashi is the culturally preferred term. Using 'araamu' for a bedside clock can sound slightly clinical or overly technical.

× 火事の目覚ましが鳴った。
(Kaji no mezamashi ga natta.)
Correct: 火災報知器 (Kasai hochiki) or アラーム (Araamu). You wouldn't use 'eye-awakener' for a fire alarm!

Another common error is with verb pairing. English speakers often say 'turn on the alarm.' In Japanese, using tsukeru (to turn on an electronic) is less common than kakeru or setto suru. While tsukeru might be understood, it sounds like you are turning on the power to the clock itself, rather than activating the alarm function.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Okiru' and 'Samasu': The 'samashi' in mezamashi comes from 'samasu' (to wake someone up). Learners sometimes confuse this with 'okiru' (to get up). You don't 'mezamashi' yourself; the clock 'mezamashi's' you. Therefore, you are the recipient of the action.

× 私は目覚まししました。
(Watashi wa mezamashi shimashita.)
This sounds like 'I became an alarm clock.' Use '目覚ましで起きました' instead.

To truly master the vocabulary of waking up, it's helpful to compare 目覚まし with its synonyms and related terms. While mezamashi is the most common for a morning alarm, other words fill specific niches.

目覚まし時計 (Mezamashi-dokei): The full, formal version of the word. Use this in writing, formal speeches, or when you want to be very specific that you are talking about the physical object (the clock) rather than just the alarm function.
アラーム (Araamu): The loanword 'alarm.' It's broader. It can refer to a timer for cooking, a security alert, or a digital notification. If you are setting a reminder for a meeting at 2 PM, you'd use 'araamu,' not 'mezamashi.'
呼び出し (Yobidashi): Meaning 'call' or 'summons.' In hotels, a 'wake-up call' is often called a 'morning call' (モーニングコール) or 'yobidashi.' You wouldn't usually use 'mezamashi' for a human calling your room.

料理のためにアラームをセットする。
(Ryori no tame ni araamu o setto suru.)
Set an alarm (timer) for cooking. (Mezamashi would be weird here).

There is also mezame (目覚め), which refers to the state of waking up or the awakening itself (e.g., 'a comfortable awakening'). While related, it's an abstract noun, whereas mezamashi is the tool that causes the awakening. Finally, tokitoridokei (cuckoo clock) or okidokei (table clock) are types of clocks that might have alarm functions but are categorized by their form rather than their function.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Before mechanical clocks, people in the Edo period used 'incense clocks' or 'water clocks' as a form of mezamashi. The word 'mezamashii' (remarkable) comes from the same root—something so amazing it 'wakes your eyes up.'

Aussprachehilfe

UK /mɛzəˈmæʃi/

US /mɛzəˈmɑːʃi/

In Japanese, pitch accent is low-high-high-high (Heiban style), meaning the first syllable is low and the rest are high.

Reimt sich auf

Kanashi (sad) Watashi (I) Arashi (storm) Sukoshi (a little) Higashi (east) Tanashi (without) Karashi (mustard) Kurashi (living)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'me' as 'mee' (it should be 'meh').
Over-emphasizing the 'sh' sound.
Using English stress patterns (don't stress any one syllable too much).
Pronouncing 'za' as 'tsa'.
Making the 'i' at the end too long (it's a short, clipped 'i').

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Kanji for 'Me' is easy, 'Samashi' is slightly complex but common.

Schreiben 3/5

Writing '覚' requires practice with the top strokes.

Sprechen 1/5

Pronunciation is very straightforward for English speakers.

Hören 1/5

The word is distinct and easy to recognize.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

目 (Eye) 時計 (Clock) 起きる (Wake up) 鳴る (Ring) 時間 (Time)

Als Nächstes lernen

遅刻 (Tardiness) 準備 (Preparation) 朝食 (Breakfast) 通勤 (Commute) 習慣 (Habit)

Fortgeschritten

体内時計 (Internal clock) 覚醒剤 (Stimulant - use with caution!) 不眠症 (Insomnia) 時差ぼけ (Jet lag)

Wichtige Grammatik

Transitive vs Intransitive

目覚ましを鳴らす (Transitive - I ring it) vs 目覚ましが鳴る (Intransitive - It rings)

The 'de' particle for tools

目覚ましで起きる (Wake up using the alarm)

The 'ni' particle for specific time

七時に目覚ましをかける (Set alarm at seven)

The '-te shimau' form for mistakes

目覚ましをかけ忘れてしまった (I accidentally forgot to set the alarm)

The 'node' particle for reasons

目覚ましが鳴らなかったので、遅れました (Because the alarm didn't ring, I was late)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

これは目覚ましです。

This is an alarm clock.

Simple A wa B desu structure.

目覚ましはどこですか？

Where is the alarm clock?

Asking for location with 'doko'.

新しい目覚ましを買いました。

I bought a new alarm clock.

Past tense verb 'kaimashita'.

目覚ましが鳴りました。

The alarm clock rang.

Subject marker 'ga' with intransitive verb 'narimashita'.

私の目覚ましは小さいです。

My alarm clock is small.

Adjective 'chiisai' modifying the noun.

目覚ましをください。

Please give me the alarm clock.

Polite request with 'kudasai'.

目覚ましがあります。

There is an alarm clock.

Existence verb 'arimasu' for inanimate objects.

この目覚ましは安いです。

This alarm clock is cheap.

Demonstrative 'kono' with adjective.

六時に目覚ましをかけます。

I set the alarm for six o'clock.

Time particle 'ni' with the verb 'kakeru'.

目覚ましを止めてください。

Please stop the alarm clock.

Request form '-te kudasai' with 'tomeru'.

目覚まし時計を忘れました。

I forgot the alarm clock.

Using the full noun 'mezamashi-dokei'.

目覚ましが鳴っても起きませんでした。

Even though the alarm rang, I didn't wake up.

Concessive '-temo' (even if/though).

スマホを目覚ましに使っています。

I use my smartphone as an alarm.

Particle 'ni' indicating purpose/role.

目覚ましをセットするのを忘れないで。

Don't forget to set the alarm.

Nominalized verb phrase 'setto suru no' with negative request.

目覚ましの音が大きすぎます。

The alarm sound is too loud.

Adjective stem + 'sugiru' (too much).

明日、目覚ましが必要ですか？

Do you need an alarm tomorrow?

Noun + 'ga hitsuyo' (need something).

目覚ましが鳴る前に目が覚めた。

I woke up before the alarm rang.

Clause + 'mae ni' (before).

目覚ましをかけないと、絶対に遅刻する。

If I don't set the alarm, I'll definitely be late.

Conditional '-nai to' (if not...).

この目覚ましは、だんだん音が大きくなる。

This alarm's sound gradually gets louder.

Adverb 'dandan' with 'naru' (to become).

目覚ましを止めた記憶がないんです。

I have no memory of stopping the alarm.

Noun 'kioku' modified by a past tense verb.

旅行にはいつも目覚ましを持っていく。

I always take an alarm clock on trips.

Verb 'motte iku' (to take something).

目覚ましを設定するのを習慣にしている。

I make it a habit to set the alarm.

'-o shukan ni shite iru' (making it a habit).

どんな目覚ましの音が好きですか？

What kind of alarm sound do you like?

Interrogative 'donna' (what kind of).

目覚ましが壊れたので、新しいのを買った。

Because the alarm broke, I bought a new one.

Causal particle 'node' and pronoun 'no'.

目覚ましに起こされるのは気分が悪い。

Being woken up by an alarm feels unpleasant.

Passive form 'okosareru' indicating an annoying action.

強力な目覚ましのおかげで、一度も遅刻していない。

Thanks to a powerful alarm, I haven't been late even once.

'Okage de' (thanks to) for positive results.

目覚ましを二つかけても、起きられないことがある。

Even if I set two alarms, there are times I can't wake up.

'-te mo' (even if) with potential negative.

最近の目覚ましは、眠りの浅い時に鳴る機能がある。

Recent alarms have a function to ring when sleep is light.

Noun-modifying clause 'nemuri no asai toki ni naru'.

目覚ましをかけ忘れるという失態を演じてしまった。

I committed the blunder of forgetting to set the alarm.

'-te shimau' (regretful action) with 'shittai' (blunder).

目覚ましのスヌーズ機能に頼りすぎるのは良くない。

It's not good to rely too much on the alarm's snooze function.

Verb stem + 'sugiru' (over-doing something).

目覚ましが鳴るなり、彼は飛び起きた。

As soon as the alarm rang, he jumped out of bed.

'-nari' (as soon as) - a more advanced temporal marker.

この目覚ましは光で起こしてくれるタイプだ。

This alarm is the type that wakes you up with light.

'-te kureru' (doing a favor) indicating the clock's helpful action.

目覚ましという文明の利器が、睡眠の質を下げているという説もある。

There is a theory that the 'alarm clock,' a convenience of civilization, is lowering sleep quality.

Apposition using 'to iu' and the term 'bunmei no riki'.

目覚ましの音を好きな曲にすると、その曲が嫌いになる傾向がある。

If you set your alarm to a song you like, there's a tendency to end up hating that song.

'-to' conditional and 'keiko ga aru' (tendency to).

彼は目覚ましなしで起きられるという、羨ましい体質の持ち主だ。

He is the owner of an enviable constitution, being able to wake up without an alarm.

Complex noun modification 'mezamashi nashi de okirareru to iu'.

目覚ましを止めてまた寝る「二度寝」の誘惑には勝てない。

I cannot win against the temptation of 'nidone' (sleeping twice)—stopping the alarm and going back to sleep.

Noun 'yūwaku' (temptation) and 'nidone' vocabulary.

目覚まし時計の歴史を紐解くと、人々の労働観の変遷が見えてくる。

Unraveling the history of alarm clocks reveals the transition in people's views on labor.

Literary expression 'himotoku' (to unravel/examine).

スマートフォンの普及により、単体の目覚まし時計の需要は激減した。

With the spread of smartphones, the demand for standalone alarm clocks has plummeted.

Causal 'ni yori' and 'gekigen' (sharp decrease).

目覚ましが鳴り響く静寂の朝は、一日の戦いの始まりを告げる。

The silent morning where the alarm resounds heralds the start of the day's battle.

Poetic use of 'narihibiku' and 'tsugeru'.

目覚ましの設定時刻を巡って、夫婦喧嘩が勃発した。

A marital spat erupted over the set time of the alarm.

'-o megutte' (concerning/over) and 'boppatsu' (erupt).

目覚ましという存在は、近代社会における時間の規律化を象徴している。

The existence of the alarm clock symbolizes the disciplining of time in modern society.

Academic tone with 'shōchō shite iru' (symbolizing).

体内時計が狂うと、いかに高性能な目覚ましでも太刀打ちできない。

When the internal clock is disrupted, no matter how high-performance the alarm is, it cannot compete.

Idiomatic 'tachiu打ち dekinai' (cannot compete/match).

目覚ましに依存せざるを得ない現代人の悲哀を、その詩は謳っている。

The poem sings of the sorrow of modern people who have no choice but to depend on alarm clocks.

'-zaru o enai' (have no choice but to).

目覚ましの音色一つ取っても、メーカーの人間工学への拘りが垣間見える。

Even taking just the tone of an alarm, one can catch a glimpse of the manufacturer's obsession with ergonomics.

'-hitotsu totte mo' (even taking just one example).

彼は、目覚ましが鳴る数秒前に必ず目を覚ますという、驚異的な能力の持ち主だ。

He possesses the phenomenal ability to always wake up a few seconds before the alarm rings.

Complex attributive clause describing 'mochinushi'.

目覚ましのスヌーズを繰り返す行為は、現実逃避のメタファーとも捉えられる。

The act of repeating the alarm snooze can be interpreted as a metaphor for escapism.

Passive 'toraerareru' (can be interpreted/viewed as).

かつては「目覚まし」といえば、物理的な鐘を叩く音を指していた。

In the past, 'mezamashi' referred to the sound of striking a physical bell.

'-to ieba' (speaking of) for historical contrast.

目覚ましを介さずとも、太陽の光と共に目覚める生活こそが理想だ。

A life where one wakes up with the sunlight, without the mediation of an alarm, is the ideal.

'-o kaisazu tomo' (even without going through/using).

Häufige Kollokationen

目覚ましをかける

目覚ましが鳴る

目覚ましを止める

目覚ましをセットする

目覚ましの音

目覚ましに気づかない

目覚ましで起きる

強力な目覚まし

目覚ましを合わせる

目覚まし代わり

Häufige Phrasen

目覚ましが鳴らない

— The alarm didn't go off (either malfunction or didn't hear it).

目覚ましが鳴らなくて遅刻した。

目覚ましを二重にかける

— Setting two alarms (double alarm) for safety.

大事な日なので目覚ましを二重にかける。

目覚ましを止めて二度寝する

— Stopping the alarm and going back to sleep.

目覚ましを止めて二度寝するのが一番の幸せだ。

目覚ましなしで起きる

— Waking up naturally without an alarm.

休日は目覚ましなしで起きることにしている。

目覚ましがうるさい

— The alarm is annoying or loud.

隣の部屋の目覚ましがうるさくて目が覚めた。

目覚まし設定

— The alarm settings (on a phone or clock).

目覚まし設定を確認する。

目覚まし機能

— The alarm function of a device.

この時計には目覚まし機能がついている。

目覚まし代わりのスマホ

— Using a smartphone as a substitute for an alarm clock.

最近は目覚まし代わりのスマホが主流だ。

目覚ましのスヌーズ

— The snooze function of the alarm.

目覚ましのスヌーズを三回繰り返した。

目覚ましを無視する

— To ignore the alarm and keep sleeping.

彼は目覚ましを無視して寝続けている。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

目覚まし vs 目覚め (Mezame)

Mezame is the noun for 'awakening' (the state), while mezamashi is the tool (the clock).

目覚まし vs アラーム (Araamu)

Araamu is general; mezamashi is specifically for waking up in the morning.

目覚まし vs 時計 (Tokei)

Tokei is any clock or watch; mezamashi is specifically an alarm clock.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"目が覚める"

— To wake up (literally) or to realize the truth (metaphorically).

彼の言葉で目が覚めた。

Neutral

"目覚ましい発展"

— Remarkable or spectacular development (related to 'mezamashi' meaning 'eye-opening').

この街は目覚ましい発展を遂げた。

Formal

"覚めない夢"

— A dream one doesn't wake up from (often used for unrealistic situations).

これは覚めない夢のようだ。

Literary

"お目覚めですか"

— Are you awake? (Polite way to ask someone who just woke up).

お目覚めですか、お嬢様。

Honorific

"眠りから覚める"

— To wake from sleep (formal/poetic).

森が眠りから覚める。

Literary

"酔いが覚める"

— To sober up (the 'awakening' of the mind from alcohol).

冷たい風で酔いが覚めた。

Neutral

"迷いから覚める"

— To be disillusioned or to come to one's senses.

ようやく迷いから覚めた。

Neutral

"覚悟を決める"

— To prepare oneself (related to 'kaku' - to wake/realize).

戦う覚悟を決める。

Neutral

"目を覚ます"

— To open one's eyes/wake up.

早く目を覚ましなさい！

Neutral

"覚醒する"

— To awaken or become conscious (often used for powers in anime).

能力が覚醒した。

Slang/Technical

Leicht verwechselbar

目覚まし vs 起きる (Okiru)

Both relate to waking up.

Okiru is the verb for 'to get up,' while mezamashi is the noun for the tool that helps you do it.

目覚ましで起きる。

目覚まし vs 覚ます (Samasu)

Mezamashi contains the root 'samashi'.

Samasu is a transitive verb meaning 'to wake someone up.' Mezamashi is the noun form used for the device.

目を覚ます。

目覚まし vs 火災報知器 (Kasai Hochiki)

Both are types of alarms.

Kasai hochiki is for fire; mezamashi is for sleep.

火災報知器が鳴っている！

目覚まし vs タイマー (Taimaa)

Both involve time and sounds.

A timer counts down a duration; an alarm rings at a specific set time.

三分タイマーをかける。

目覚まし vs 呼び出し (Yobidashi)

Both can be wake-up calls.

Yobidashi is a general summons; mezamashi is the specific device.

フロントからの呼び出し。

Satzmuster

[N] は [目覚まし] です。

これは私の目覚ましです。

[Time] に [目覚まし] をかけます。

八時に目覚ましをかけます。

[目覚まし] が鳴るまで [Verb-nai]。

目覚ましが鳴るまで起きない。

[目覚まし] をセットするのを忘れる。

目覚ましをセットするのを忘れた。

[目覚まし] で起こされる。

大きな目覚ましで起こされた。

[目覚まし] のおかげで [Result]。

目覚ましのおかげで間に合った。

[目覚まし] なしでは [Verb-potential-nai]。

目覚ましなしでは起きられない。

[目覚まし] に依存する [Noun]。

目覚ましに依存する現代社会。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

目覚め (Mezame - Awakening)

目覚まし時計 (Mezamashi-dokei - Alarm clock)

覚醒 (Kakusei - Awakening/Consciousness)

Verben

覚める (Sameru - To wake up [intransitive])

覚ます (Samasu - To wake someone up [transitive])

目覚める (Mezameru - To wake up/To become aware)

Adjektive

目覚ましい (Mezamashii - Remarkable/Striking)

Verwandt

時計 (Tokei - Clock)

アラーム (Araamu - Alarm)

睡眠 (Suimin - Sleep)

起床 (Kisho - Getting out of bed)

早起き (Hayaoki - Early rising)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely common in daily life and morning contexts.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'araamu' for every situation. → Use 'mezamashi' for morning wake-ups.
'Araamu' sounds more like a security alert or a generic phone notification.
Using the verb 'tsukeru' to set an alarm. → Use 'kakeru' or 'setto suru'.
'Tsukeru' sounds like you are turning on the power to the device, not setting the timer.
Saying 'mezamashi o okiru'. → Say 'mezamashi de okiru'.
You wake up *by means of* the alarm, so the 'de' particle is required.
Confusing 'mezamashi' with 'mezame'. → Use 'mezamashi' for the clock.
'Mezame' is the abstract concept of waking up, not the tool.
Using 'mezamashi' for a fire alarm. → Use 'kasai hochiki'.
'Mezamashi' literally means 'eye-awakener' and is only for waking from sleep.

Tipps

Use 'Kakeru' for Setting

Always remember that 'kakeru' is the most idiomatic verb for setting a physical or digital alarm.

Shorten It!

Don't feel the need to say 'mezamashi-dokei' every time. Just 'mezamashi' is much more natural in conversation.

Mezamashi TV

Watch clips of 'Mezamashi TV' on YouTube to hear the word in a cultural context.

Particle 'De'

Use 'mezamashi DE okiru' to say you wake up BY MEANS OF the alarm.

Pitch Accent

Keep your voice steady and flat after the first syllable: Me-ZA-MA-SHI.

Eye-Awakener

Remember the literal meaning 'eye-awakener' to never forget the word's components.

Bedroom Vocabulary

Learn 'mezamashi' alongside 'makura' (pillow) and 'futon' (bedding) for a complete set.

Sound Effects

In anime, listen for 'mezamashi' whenever you hear a 'pi-pi-pi' or 'ri-ri-ri' sound.

Kanji Practice

Practice the kanji for 'Me' (目) first, as it is used in many other common words.

Double Alarm

Learn the phrase 'niju ni kakeru' (to set doubly) for those important exam mornings!

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine your eyes (Me) are 'smashing' (Samashi) open because of a loud clock. Me-Zamashi!

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a giant eye with two clock bells on top of it ringing loudly.

Word Web

Eye Awake Clock Morning Sound Ring Snooze Punctual

Herausforderung

Try to say 'Mezamashi o kaketa' every single night before you go to sleep for one week.

Wortherkunft

Formed by combining 'Me' (目 - eye) and the stem of 'Samasu' (覚ます - to wake up). Historically, it referred to anything that would 'wake the eyes.'

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A physical or metaphorical 'eye-opener.'

Japonic (Native Japanese origin).

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'mezamashi' is strictly for waking up; don't use it for emergency sirens.

In English, we say 'set the alarm,' but in Japanese, 'mezamashi o kakeru' (to hang/apply the alarm) is the unique idiomatic choice.

Mezamashi TV (Morning show) Super Raiden (Extremely loud alarm brand) Nintendo Alarmo (Recent interactive alarm clock)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Bedroom

目覚ましをセットする
目覚ましを止める
目覚まし時計を置く
目覚ましが鳴る

Electronics Store

目覚ましを探している
音の大きい目覚まし
デジタルの目覚まし
目覚ましの値段

Workplace/School

目覚ましが鳴らなかった
目覚ましを二重にかける
目覚ましなしで起きた
目覚ましをかけ忘れた

Hotel

目覚ましの使い方
目覚ましを設定する
目覚ましが壊れている
モーニングコール

Smartphone Settings

目覚ましアプリ
目覚ましの音量
目覚ましのスヌーズ
目覚ましをオフにする

Gesprächseinstiege

"毎朝、何時に目覚ましをかけていますか？ (What time do you set your alarm every morning?)"

"目覚ましの音は、どんな音にしていますか？ (What kind of sound do you use for your alarm?)"

"目覚ましなしで起きることはできますか？ (Can you wake up without an alarm?)"

"目覚ましを止めてから、また寝てしまうことはありますか？ (Do you ever fall back asleep after stopping the alarm?)"

"お勧めの目覚ましアプリはありますか？ (Do you have any recommended alarm apps?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今朝、目覚ましが鳴った時の気分を詳しく書いてください。 (Describe in detail how you felt when the alarm rang this morning.)

もし目覚まし時計がこの世からなくなったら、あなたの生活はどう変わりますか？ (If alarm clocks disappeared from the world, how would your life change?)

理想の目覚まし時計をデザインしてみてください。どんな機能がありますか？ (Try to design your ideal alarm clock. What functions would it have?)

目覚ましをかけ忘れて大失敗した経験はありますか？ (Have you ever had a big failure because you forgot to set your alarm?)

あなたは「目覚ましで起きる派」ですか、それとも「自然に起きる派」ですか？ (Are you a 'wake up by alarm' person or a 'wake up naturally' person?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, absolutely. While 'araamu' is also used, 'mezamashi' is very common for the phone's wake-up function.

'Mezamashi-dokei' is the full word for the physical clock. 'Mezamashi' is the shortened version used in daily speech.

You say 'Mezamashi ga natte iru' (目覚ましが鳴っている).

No, for fire alarms use 'kasai hochiki' or 'araamu'.

The most natural verbs are 'kakeru' (かける) or 'setto suru' (セットする).

Yes, it can mean an 'eye-opener,' though the adjective form 'mezamashii' is more common for this.

It is a neutral noun. To be extra polite, you can add 'o' to the beginning: 'O-mezamashi'.

It is a very famous morning news and variety show in Japan that has aired for decades.

You can say 'Mezamashi ni kizukazu ni neshugoshita' (I slept in without noticing the alarm).

No, that would be 'mezamashi-yaku' (the role of an alarm), but usually you just say 'okoshite morau' (have someone wake you up).

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