近頃 in 30 Sekunden
- Refers to 'lately' or 'these days' in Japanese.
- Used for ongoing trends, habits, and general observations.
- Functions as an adverb or a noun (with 'no' or 'wa').
- Slightly more formal and observational than the common 'saikin'.
The word 近頃 (ちかごろ - chikagoro) is a quintessential Japanese term used to bridge the gap between the immediate past and the present. In English, it translates most effectively to "lately," "recently," or "these days." Unlike words that pinpoint a specific moment in time, chikagoro encompasses a broader, more continuous timeframe. It suggests a trend or a state of affairs that has become noticeable over the last few weeks or months. When you use this word, you are usually inviting a comparison between how things used to be and how they are now. It is incredibly common in daily conversation, news broadcasts, and casual observations about society or the weather.
- Etymological Nuance
- The kanji 近 means 'near' or 'close,' and 頃 means 'time,' 'about,' or 'around.' Together, they literally signify 'around the near time.' This structural composition helps learners understand that the word isn't about a single event but an environmental or situational 'closeness' to the present moment.
近頃、物価が上がっていますね。
— Lately, prices have been going up, haven't they?
This word carries a slightly more observational tone than its close synonym saikin. While saikin can refer to a specific recent action (e.g., "I recently bought a car"), chikagoro is more often used for recurring events or general atmospheres. For example, if you want to talk about how the neighborhood has changed or how you've been feeling generally tired lately, chikagoro is your best friend. It sets a stage for the listener, indicating that the topic is a current trend rather than a one-off occurrence.
- Social Context
- In Japanese society, discussing general trends is a common way to build rapport (aisatsu). Starting a sentence with 'Chikagoro...' allows for a shared observation that isn't too personal, making it a safe and polite conversation starter.
近頃の若者は、スマホばかり見ています。
— Young people these days are always looking at their smartphones.
Furthermore, chikagoro can function as both a noun and an adverb. You can say chikagoro wa (as for lately) or use it to modify another noun directly using the particle no, as in chikagoro no tenki (the weather lately). This flexibility makes it an essential tool for any A1 learner moving toward A2. It provides a temporal anchor for your sentences, helping you move beyond the simple present tense and into the realm of describing ongoing life experiences.
近頃は、夜も暑いです。
— These days, even the nights are hot.
- Frequency
- In daily speech, 'saikin' is used more frequently, but 'chikagoro' appears often in literature, news, and slightly more formal or reflective conversations.
近頃、何か面白い本を読みましたか？
— Have you read any interesting books lately?
父は近頃、ジョギングを始めました。
— My father has started jogging lately.
Using 近頃 (chikagoro) in a sentence is relatively straightforward because it behaves much like other time-related adverbs in Japanese. However, understanding its grammatical versatility will help you sound more natural. Primarily, it functions as an adverbial noun, meaning it can stand alone at the beginning of a sentence to set the time frame, or it can be followed by particles to link it to other parts of the sentence.
- Pattern 1: As an Adverb
- Place 'chikagoro' at the start of the sentence followed by a comma. This is the most common way to say 'Lately, [something is happening].' For example: 'Chikagoro, isogashii desu' (Lately, I am busy).
近頃、よく雨が降ります。
— Lately, it rains often.
The second major pattern involves the particle no. When you want to describe a noun that pertains to recent times, you use chikagoro no. This is essential for phrases like 'modern fashion' or 'recent news.' It acts as an adjective phrase. For instance, 'chikagoro no hayari' means 'the trend these days.'
- Pattern 2: Modifying Nouns
- [Chikagoro] + [no] + [Noun]. Example: 'Chikagoro no kodomo' (Children of these days).
近頃のニュースは悲しいものが多い。
— There is a lot of sad news these days.
Another common usage is with the particle wa. Adding wa places a strong emphasis on the time period itself, often implying a contrast with the past. 'Chikagoro wa...' suggests 'As for lately (unlike before)...' This is perfect for highlighting changes in your lifestyle or social shifts.
近頃は、家で仕事をする人が増えています。
— Lately, the number of people working from home is increasing.
Finally, remember that chikagoro is often paired with the ~te iru (continuous) verb form. Since chikagoro refers to an ongoing state or trend, the verb should reflect that continuity. Saying 'Chikagoro, tabeta' (Lately, I ate) sounds slightly awkward; instead, say 'Chikagoro, yoku tabete iru' (Lately, I have been eating a lot).
- Common Pairings
- Pair with verbs like 'fuete iru' (is increasing), 'hayatte iru' (is popular), or 'omou' (to think/feel).
近頃、体調はどうですか？
— How has your health been lately?
近頃の映画はCGをたくさん使っています。
— Movies these days use a lot of CG.
You will encounter 近頃 (chikagoro) in a variety of real-world settings, from the mundane to the professional. One of the most frequent places you'll hear it is in the small talk that precedes a business meeting or a casual lunch. Japanese culture places a high value on acknowledging the current season or shared environment, and chikagoro is the perfect vehicle for this. A neighbor might say, 'Chikagoro, samuku narimashita ne' (It's gotten cold lately, hasn't it?), as a way of being friendly without being intrusive.
- News and Media
- News anchors often use 'chikagoro' when introducing a segment on social trends, such as the rise of a new hobby or a change in consumer behavior. It sounds authoritative yet accessible.
近頃、電子マネーを使う人が急増しています。
— Lately, the number of people using electronic money has been surging.
In literature and song lyrics, chikagoro often carries a nostalgic or slightly melancholic weight. It might be used to describe how a protagonist feels disconnected from the fast-paced changes of the modern world. In J-Pop lyrics, you might hear it in the context of a relationship that has grown distant: 'Chikagoro, kimi wa tsumetai' (Lately, you are cold/distant). This usage highlights the emotional breadth of the word beyond just simple time-keeping.
- Workplace Usage
- In a professional setting, a manager might use 'chikagoro' to discuss team performance or market shifts during a weekly report. 'Chikagoro no uriage' (recent sales) is a common phrase.
近頃、新しいプロジェクトが始まりました。
— Lately, a new project has started.
You'll also hear it in advertisements. Marketing copy often uses 'Chikagoro, konna nayami wa arimasen ka?' (Lately, don't you have these kinds of worries?) to empathize with the customer's current situation before offering a product as a solution. This demonstrates the word's power to tap into the current 'mood' of the public. Whether it's a doctor asking about your symptoms or a YouTuber talking about their recent life updates, chikagoro is the bridge that connects the past few weeks to the conversation happening right now.
近頃、この街もずいぶん変わりましたね。
— This town has changed quite a bit lately, hasn't it?
近頃は、オンラインでの買い物が多いです。
— These days, I do a lot of shopping online.
While 近頃 (chikagoro) is a versatile word, English speakers often trip up on its specific temporal boundaries. The most common mistake is using it to describe a single, finished action in the past. For example, if you want to say 'I went to Kyoto recently,' using chikagoro sounds strange. In that case, saikin or kono aida is much better. Chikagoro implies a state or a repeated action, not a one-time event.
- Mistake 1: One-time Events
- Incorrect: 'Chikagoro, ringo wo hitotsu tabemashita' (Lately, I ate one apple). Correct: 'Saikin, ringo wo hitotsu tabemashita' or 'Chikagoro, yoku ringo wo tabemasu' (Lately, I often eat apples).
近頃、忙しいです (Correct: ongoing state). vs 近頃、買いました (Incorrect: one-time action).
Another frequent error is confusing chikagoro with konogoro. While they are very similar, konogoro is slightly more informal and often refers to an even shorter period of time. Chikagoro has a slightly broader, more 'societal' lens. Using chikagoro in a very casual setting with close friends might sometimes sound a bit stiff, though it's rarely 'wrong.' The key is to match the word to the scope of what you're discussing.
- Mistake 2: Particle Overuse
- Learners often try to say 'Chikagoro ni...' because they are used to 'ni' marking time. However, for relative time words like 'today,' 'tomorrow,' or 'lately,' the 'ni' is omitted.
✕ 近頃に、テニスをします。 (Incorrect particle)
○ 近頃、テニスをしています。 (Correct)
Lastly, be careful with the nuance of 'chikagoro no wakamono' (youth these days). While it's a standard phrase, it can sometimes carry a judgmental or 'get off my lawn' tone if you're not careful. If you want to talk about young people in a neutral or positive light, you might want to frame your sentence carefully or use more specific terms. Understanding the social baggage of certain phrases is just as important as the grammar itself.
近頃、日本語の勉強が楽しくなりました。
— Lately, studying Japanese has become fun (Correct: change in state).
近頃、野菜をたくさん食べています。
— Lately, I have been eating a lot of vegetables (Correct: habit).
Japanese has several words that translate to "recently" or "lately," and choosing the right one depends on the context and the specific timeframe you are targeting. The most common alternative to 近頃 (chikagoro) is 最近 (saikin). While they overlap significantly, saikin is the most versatile and can be used for both ongoing states and specific past events. If you're unsure which to use, saikin is usually the safer, more modern choice.
- Saikin (最近)
- Broadest use. Can mean 'recently' (a few days ago) or 'lately' (an ongoing trend). More common in casual speech.
最近、新しい靴を買いました。
I bought new shoes recently. (Chikagoro wouldn't work here well).
Another close relative is この頃 (konogoro). This word is very similar to chikagoro but feels slightly more personal and informal. It literally means "around this time." You might use it to talk about your personal habits or feelings. Chikagoro, by contrast, feels a bit more detached and observational, making it better for talking about society or general trends.
- Konogoro (この頃)
- More informal and personal. Good for 'these days' in a friendly conversation about your own life.
For an even more formal or literary tone, you might encounter 近来 (kinrai). This is rarely used in conversation but often appears in academic writing or formal reports to mean "in recent years" or "of late." It covers a much longer period than chikagoro, often spanning several years.
- Kono aida (この間)
- Means 'the other day.' It refers to a specific point in the past, usually within the last week or two. Use this for specific events, not trends.
この間、彼に会いました。
I met him the other day.
Understanding these distinctions allows you to be precise. If you're complaining about the price of eggs, chikagoro is great because it's a general trend. If you're telling a friend about a movie you saw on Tuesday, use kono aida. If you're talking about your new diet that started last week, saikin or konogoro are perfect. Mastering the 'recent' family of words is a key milestone in Japanese fluency.
近頃、コーヒーよりお茶を飲みます。
— Lately, I drink tea more than coffee.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The 'koro' in chikagoro is the same 'koro' used in 'kodomo-no-koro' (when I was a child). It specifies a fuzzy period rather than a point.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'chi' as 'shi'.
- Stressing the 'ga' too much.
- Making the 'o' sounds too long (like 'oh').
- Adding a 'u' sound at the end (chikagorou).
- Pausing between 'chika' and 'goro'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Kanji are basic, but '頃' might be new for absolute beginners.
Writing '頃' requires attention to stroke order.
Easy to pronounce and slot into sentences.
Can be confused with 'saikin' or 'chikajika' if not listening carefully.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Temporal Adverbs (No 'ni' needed)
近頃、忙しいです。(Not 近頃に忙しいです)
Noun Modification with 'no'
近頃の若者 (The youth of these days)
Continuous Aspect (~te iru)
近頃、走っています。(Lately, I've been running)
Topic Marker 'wa' for contrast
近頃は、家で食べます。(Lately [unlike before], I eat at home)
Adverbial Position
近頃、よく雨が降る。(Positioned at the start for emphasis)
Beispiele nach Niveau
近頃、忙しいです。
Lately, I am busy.
Chikagoro is used as an adverb here to set the time frame.
近頃、寒くなりましたね。
It has become cold lately, hasn't it?
Often used with 'ne' at the end to seek agreement.
近頃、よく本を読みます。
Lately, I read books often.
Indicates a recurring habit in the recent past.
近頃、元気ですか？
Have you been well lately?
A common greeting to ask about someone's recent state.
近頃、野菜が高いです。
Lately, vegetables are expensive.
Refers to a general economic trend.
近頃、雨が多いです。
Lately, there is a lot of rain.
Describes the recent weather pattern.
近頃、日本語を勉強しています。
Lately, I am studying Japanese.
Uses the continuous form (~te imasu) for an ongoing action.
近頃、テレビを見ません。
Lately, I don't watch TV.
Describes a change in habit (negative).
近頃の天気は不安定です。
The weather lately is unstable.
Uses 'no' to modify the noun 'tenki'.
近頃、新しいカフェができました。
A new cafe opened lately.
Describes a recent change in the environment.
近頃、ジョギングを始めました。
I started jogging lately.
Refers to a recently started habit.
近頃、スマホの使いすぎに注意しています。
Lately, I'm careful about using my smartphone too much.
Describes a recent conscious effort or habit.
近頃の若者は元気ですね。
Young people these days are energetic, aren't they?
Standard phrase 'chikagoro no wakamono'.
近頃、果物がとても美味しいです。
Lately, fruit is very delicious.
Observation about the current season's produce.
近頃は、夜遅くまで起きています。
Lately, I stay up until late at night.
Uses 'wa' for emphasis on the time period.
近頃、いいニュースがありません。
Lately, there isn't any good news.
Refers to the general state of current events.
近頃、キャッシュレス決済が普及しています。
Lately, cashless payments are becoming widespread.
Uses more formal vocabulary (fukyuu shite iru).
近頃の子供は外で遊ばなくなりました。
Children these days have stopped playing outside.
Refers to a societal shift in behavior.
近頃、仕事のストレスを感じることが多いです。
Lately, there are many times I feel stress from work.
Expresses a frequent subjective feeling.
近頃は、どこでもインターネットが使えます。
These days, you can use the internet anywhere.
Observation about technological convenience.
近頃、健康のために自炊をしています。
Lately, I've been cooking for myself for my health.
Explains a reason (tame ni) for a recent habit.
近頃の流行は、私にはよく分かりません。
I don't really understand recent trends.
Subjective stance on societal changes.
近頃、この辺りに不審な人が出たそうです。
I heard that a suspicious person appeared around here lately.
Uses 'sou desu' to report hearsay about recent events.
近頃は、電気代が上がって困っています。
These days, I'm troubled because electricity bills are rising.
Describes a problem caused by a recent trend.
近頃の経済状況を考えると、投資は慎重にするべきだ。
Considering the recent economic situation, one should invest cautiously.
Used in a logical argument or advice.
近頃、AI技術が飛躍的に進歩しています。
Lately, AI technology has been advancing leaps and bounds.
Focuses on rapid technological change.
近頃の教育現場では、タブレットの導入が進んでいる。
In recent educational settings, the introduction of tablets is progressing.
Formal observation of institutional changes.
近頃は、ワークライフバランスを重視する企業が増えた。
These days, companies that emphasize work-life balance have increased.
Discusses corporate and social trends.
近頃の若者の価値観は、私たちの頃とは大きく異なる。
The values of young people these days differ greatly from our time.
Compares generations using 'chikagoro'.
近頃、都会を離れて地方に移住する人が目立つ。
Lately, people leaving the city to migrate to the countryside are noticeable.
Identifies a noticeable social phenomenon (medatsu).
近頃は、SNSでの誹謗中傷が社会問題になっている。
These days, slander on social media has become a social problem.
Links a recent trend to a larger social issue.
近頃の映画界では、リメイク作品が非常に多い傾向にある。
In the recent film industry, there is a strong tendency toward remakes.
Analyzes an industry trend (keikou ni aru).
近頃の政治的不透明感は、国民の不安を煽っている。
The recent political opacity is fueling public anxiety.
Uses abstract nouns (fumeikaikan) and strong verbs (aoru).
近頃、伝統文化の継承が危ぶまれているという指摘がある。
There are points being made that the succession of traditional culture is in jeopardy lately.
Formal reporting of a critical viewpoint.
近頃の消費動向を見ると、所有よりも共有を好む傾向が見て取れる。
Looking at recent consumption trends, a preference for sharing over owning can be observed.
Sophisticated analysis of consumer behavior.
近頃は、働き方の多様化が急速に進み、従来の雇用形態が崩れつつある。
These days, the diversification of work styles is progressing rapidly, and traditional employment forms are crumbling.
Uses 'tsutsu aru' to show an ongoing, gradual change.
近頃、マスメディアの信頼性が問われる事態が頻発している。
Lately, situations where the credibility of mass media is questioned are occurring frequently.
Discusses institutional integrity.
近頃の文学作品には、個人の内面を深く掘り下げるものが多いように見受けられる。
It appears that many recent literary works delve deeply into the inner self of individuals.
Uses polite, formal observational language (miukerareru).
近頃、都市開発の影響で、歴史的な建造物が次々と姿を消している。
Lately, due to urban development, historical buildings are disappearing one after another.
Focuses on the negative impact of recent progress.
近頃は、グローバル化の波が地方の小さな村にまで押し寄せている。
These days, the wave of globalization is reaching even small rural villages.
Metaphorical use of 'nami' (wave) to describe a trend.
近頃の言説空間における分断は、民主主義の根幹を揺るがしかねない。
The fragmentation in recent discourse spaces could potentially shake the very foundations of democracy.
High-level political and social analysis.
近頃、人間関係の希薄化が叫ばれて久しいが、その背景には複雑な要因が絡み合っている。
It has been a long time since the weakening of human relationships has been lamented lately, but complex factors are intertwined in its background.
Uses 'sakebarete hisashii' (it's long been said).
近頃のテクノロジーの進展は、人間の存在意義そのものを再定義することを迫っている。
Recent technological progress is forcing a redefinition of the very meaning of human existence.
Philosophical inquiry into the impact of trends.
近頃、環境倫理への関心が高まる一方で、実効性のある対策は遅々として進まない。
While interest in environmental ethics is rising lately, effective measures are progressing at a snail's pace.
Uses 'ippou de' (on the other hand) to show contrast.
近頃の若者文化に見られるアイデンティティの変容は、ポストモダン社会の必然的な帰結と言えよう。
The transformation of identity seen in recent youth culture can be called an inevitable consequence of postmodern society.
Uses 'to ieyou' (one might say) for academic assertion.
近頃、情報過多による認知負荷の増大が、現代人の精神衛生に深刻な影を落としている。
Lately, the increase in cognitive load due to information overload is casting a serious shadow on the mental health of modern people.
Sophisticated psychological and social commentary.
近頃は、資本主義の限界が露呈し、新たな社会システムの構築を模索する動きが活発化している。
These days, the limits of capitalism are being exposed, and movements seeking to build new social systems are becoming more active.
Discusses systemic shifts and active searches (mosaku).
近頃の芸術表現における越境性は、既存のジャンルの枠組みを無効化しつつある。
The cross-border nature of recent artistic expression is nullifying existing genre frameworks.
Analyzes evolution in artistic theory.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— How have you been lately? A standard greeting.
お久しぶりです。近頃、どうですか？
— Recent trends or tendencies. Used in analysis.
近頃の傾向として、共働きが増えています。
— Unprecedented lately; something that hasn't happened in a while.
これは近頃にない大雪だ。
— Recent matters or things that happened lately.
近頃のことを話しましょう。
— What's popular lately.
近頃流行りの曲を聴く。
— How one's health has been lately.
近頃、体調があまり良くない。
— The world these days.
近頃の世の中は複雑だ。
— Lately, [I] often [do something].
近頃、よく忘れ物をする。
— Unusually for lately.
近頃、めずらしく早く帰れた。
— Lately, finally [something happened].
近頃、ようやく涼しくなった。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Chikaku means 'nearby' (distance). Chikagoro means 'lately' (time).
Chikajika means 'soon' (future). Chikagoro means 'lately' (recent past to now).
Sakihodo means 'a little while ago' (minutes/hours). Chikagoro means 'lately' (days/weeks).
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— A phrase often used by elders to complain about youth (though not always negative).
近頃の若者は根性がないと言われるが、そうは思わない。
Common/Judgmental— A bustle or crowd not seen in recent times.
お祭りは近頃にない賑わいを見せた。
Descriptive— Parents these days (often used critically).
近頃の親は子供を甘やかしすぎだ。
Critical— Students these days.
近頃の学生はよく勉強する。
Observational— Politics these days.
近頃の政治は見ていられない。
Opinionated— The coming and going of recent trends.
近頃の流行り廃りは激しい。
Observational— TV these days.
近頃のテレビはつまらない。
Colloquial— The recent high prices/inflation.
近頃の物価高には困ったものだ。
Economic— Recent changes.
近頃の変化には驚かされる。
Neutral— The current social climate or trend.
近頃の風潮には賛成できない。
FormalLeicht verwechselbar
Both mean 'recently/lately'.
Saikin can be used for a single past event ('I bought a car recently'). Chikagoro is for ongoing trends or habits. Saikin is more common in modern casual speech.
最近、引っ越しました。(I moved recently - specific event).
Both mean 'these days'.
Konogoro is more informal and personal. Chikagoro is slightly more formal and is often used for wider social observations.
この頃、ちょっと太ったかな。(I might have gained a bit of weight these days - personal).
Both mean 'these days'.
Sakkon is much more formal and usually used in writing, news, or business to discuss serious societal issues.
昨今の経済不況により... (Due to the current economic recession...)
Both refer to the recent past.
Kono aida means 'the other day' and refers to a specific point in time. Chikagoro refers to a period of time.
この間、映画を見に行きました。(I went to see a movie the other day.)
Similar kanji and sound.
Chikajika is about the future (soon), while chikagoro is about the recent past up to now (lately).
近々、日本に行きます。(I'm going to Japan soon.)
Satzmuster
近頃、[Adjective]です。
近頃、忙しいです。
近頃、[Verb-masu/te-iru]。
近頃、よく食べます。
近頃の[Noun]は[Adjective]です。
近頃の天気は悪いです。
近頃は、[Sentence]。
近頃は、あまり外に出ません。
近頃、[Verb-te]ばかりいます。
近頃、寝てばかりいます。
近頃、[Noun]が流行っています。
近頃、タピオカが流行っています。
近頃の傾向として、[Sentence]。
近頃の傾向として、一人暮らしが増えています。
近頃の[Noun]に鑑みると、[Sentence]。
近頃の社会情勢に鑑みると、変化が必要です。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Common in daily speech, especially among adults and in media.
-
近頃、映画を見ました。
→
最近、映画を見ました。
Chikagoro is for trends/states, not one-time past actions. Seeing a movie is a one-time event, so 'saikin' is better.
-
近頃に、忙しいです。
→
近頃、忙しいです。
Relative time words like 'chikagoro' do not take the particle 'ni'.
-
近頃の近くに住んでいます。
→
この近くに住んでいます。
Confusing 'chikagoro' (lately) with 'chikaku' (nearby). 'Chikagoro' is only for time, never for physical distance.
-
近頃、日本に行きます。
→
近々、日本に行きます。
Confusing 'chikagoro' (lately) with 'chikajika' (soon). Chikagoro refers to the past/present, not the future.
-
近頃の子供、元気です。
→
近頃の子供は、元気です。
Missing the topic marker 'wa' or proper sentence structure. When using 'chikagoro no [Noun]', you still need a particle after the noun to define its role.
Tipps
Pair with ~te iru
Since 'chikagoro' refers to a period of time, it sounds most natural when paired with the continuous verb form (~te iru). This emphasizes that the action or state is ongoing.
Business Small Talk
Use 'chikagoro' to start a conversation with a Japanese colleague about the weather or general busyness. It’s a safe, polite way to build rapport before getting into business.
No 'ni' Particle
Remember not to add 'ni' after 'chikagoro' when using it as an adverb. It’s a relative time word, just like 'kyou' (today) or 'ashita' (tomorrow).
Chikagoro vs. Saikin
If you're talking about a trend (like 'Everyone is using this app lately'), use 'chikagoro.' If you're talking about something you did once (like 'I went to a new restaurant recently'), use 'saikin'.
Observational Tone
Use 'chikagoro' when you want to sound like you're observing the world. It gives your Japanese a slightly more mature and thoughtful feel than just using 'saikin' for everything.
The 'Youth' Phrase
Be aware of the phrase 'chikagoro no wakamono.' It's a cliché. If you use it, you might sound like an older person reflecting on the 'good old days.'
Letter Openings
In formal letters, 'chikagoro' is often used in the opening sentence to comment on the season. For example: 'Chikagoro wa sukkari haru-rashiku narimashita' (It has become completely spring-like lately).
Listen for 'no'
When you hear 'chikagoro no...', get ready for a noun. The speaker is about to describe a specific 'recent' thing, like news, weather, or fashion.
Contrast with 'wa'
Use 'chikagoro wa' when you want to contrast your current life with the past. It implies 'I didn't used to do this, but lately I do.'
Near Time
Just remember: Chika (Near) + Goro (Time) = Near Time = Lately. This literal translation is the easiest way to keep the meaning in mind.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Chika' (a girl's name) who is 'Near' (Chikai) and 'Goro' (a boy's name) who is 'Around' (Koro). They are hanging out 'Lately'.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a calendar where the last few weeks are highlighted in a bright color, representing the 'near time' or 'chikagoro'.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'chikagoro' in three different sentences today: one about the weather, one about your work, and one about a hobby.
Wortherkunft
The word is a compound of 'chika' (near) and 'koro' (time/about). It has been used since the Middle Japanese period to denote proximity in time.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally meant 'around the time close to now.'
JaponicKultureller Kontext
Be careful when using 'Chikagoro no wakamono' (youth these days), as it can sound like you are grumbling or being old-fashioned.
Translates well to 'lately' or 'these days,' but is used more frequently in Japanese small talk than 'lately' is in English.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Small Talk (Weather/Health)
- 近頃、寒くなりましたね。
- 近頃、お元気ですか？
- 近頃、雨ばかりですね。
- 近頃、風邪が流行っています。
Work/Business
- 近頃の売上はどうですか？
- 近頃、新しいクライアントが増えました。
- 近頃の業界の動向は...
- 近頃はリモートワークが主です。
School/Education
- 近頃のテストは難しい。
- 近頃、よく図書館に行きます。
- 近頃の学生は真面目だ。
- 近頃、宿題が多いです。
Daily Life/Habits
- 近頃、料理を始めました。
- 近頃、よく眠れます。
- 近頃、テレビを見ません。
- 近頃、野菜を食べています。
Social Trends
- 近頃の若者は...
- 近頃の流行りは...
- 近頃、物価が高い。
- 近頃、この街は静かだ。
Gesprächseinstiege
"近頃、何か面白い映画を見ましたか？ (Have you seen any interesting movies lately?)"
"近頃、とても暑いですが、体調はどうですか？ (It's been very hot lately, how is your health?)"
"近頃、この辺りに新しいお店ができましたね。 (A new shop opened around here lately, didn't it?)"
"近頃のニュースについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about the news lately?)"
"近頃、ハマっていることはありますか？ (Is there anything you've been into lately?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
近頃の自分の生活について、変わったことを書いてください。 (Write about things that have changed in your life lately.)
近頃の天気について、どう感じますか？ (How do you feel about the weather lately?)
近頃、一番嬉しかったことは何ですか？ (What is the thing that made you happiest lately?)
近頃の社会で気になるニュースを一つ選んでください。 (Choose one piece of news from society lately that concerns you.)
近頃、新しく始めた習慣について教えてください。 (Tell me about a habit you started recently.)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, 'chikagoro' is not used for single events at a specific time. Use 'kinou' (yesterday) or 'saikin' (recently). 'Chikagoro' implies a pattern or a state that has been true for a while. For example, 'Chikagoro, isogashii' (I've been busy lately) is correct, but 'Chikagoro, tomodachi ni atta' (I met a friend lately) sounds unnatural if you only met them once.
Yes, 'chikagoro' has a slightly more formal and observational nuance compared to 'saikin.' While 'saikin' is used very frequently in casual conversation for almost any recent event, 'chikagoro' is often chosen when talking about societal trends or making general observations about life. It's common in news and literature.
When using it as an adverb (Lately, ...), you don't need a particle. You just say 'Chikagoro, [sentence].' However, if you want to modify a noun, you must use 'no' (e.g., 'chikagoro no tenki'). If you want to emphasize the time period as the topic, you use 'wa' (e.g., 'chikagoro wa...').
They are very similar and often interchangeable. However, 'konogoro' (literally 'around this time') is slightly more informal and is often used for personal matters. 'Chikagoro' (literally 'near time') feels a bit more objective and is frequently used to discuss broader social changes or general environmental states.
No, 'chikagoro' only refers to the recent past up to the present. To say 'soon,' you should use 'chikajika' (近々) or 'mousugu' (もうすぐ). Confusing 'chikagoro' and 'chikajika' is a common mistake for learners because they share the same first kanji.
Yes, it is very common in both written and spoken Japanese. In writing, it often appears in essays, letters (seasonal greetings), and news articles. In spoken Japanese, it's used in both polite (desu/masu) and casual speech, though more frequently by adults.
No, that is a contradiction. 'Chikagoro' means recent times, and 'mukashi' means a long time ago. If you want to say 'a little while ago,' you could use 'tsui sakihodo' or 'chotto mae'.
The standard phrase is 'chikagoro no wakamono' (近頃の若者). It is a very common expression, though it can sometimes sound like a complaint depending on the speaker's tone. A more neutral or polite way might be 'saikin no wakai kata'.
Not inherently. It is a neutral time-marker. However, because it's often used to discuss changes or trends, and people often notice negative changes more than positive ones (like prices rising or people being busy), it frequently appears in sentences about problems. But you can just as easily use it for positive things.
It is rarely used at the very end of a sentence in the way 'recently' might be in English. In Japanese, time-markers almost always come before the verb. You wouldn't say 'Isogashii desu, chikagoro.' Instead, say 'Chikagoro, isogashii desu.'
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
Write a sentence using 'chikagoro' to say you are busy lately.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Lately, it has become cold.'
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Write 'Recent weather' using 'chikagoro'.
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Write a sentence: 'How have you been lately?'
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Translate: 'Lately, I often read books.'
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Write a sentence using 'chikagoro' and 'te iru'.
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Translate: 'Young people these days are energetic.'
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Write a sentence about prices rising lately.
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Translate: 'Lately, I don't watch TV.'
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Write a sentence about a recent habit.
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Translate: 'These days, working from home is increasing.'
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Write a sentence about a new cafe opening lately.
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Translate: 'Recent news is sad.'
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Write a formal sentence about social trends.
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Translate: 'Lately, I've been eating vegetables for my health.'
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Write a sentence contrasting the present with the past using 'wa'.
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Translate: 'The trend these days is fast.'
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Write a sentence using 'chikagoro' in a question.
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Translate: 'Lately, I've been sleeping well.'
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Write a complex sentence about AI technology.
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Say 'Lately, I am busy' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, it is cold, isn't it?' in Japanese.
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Ask 'How have you been lately?' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, I've been studying Japanese' in Japanese.
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Say 'Young people these days are energetic' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, vegetables are expensive' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, I don't watch TV' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, I've been sleeping well' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, it rains often' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, I've been busy with work' in Japanese.
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Say 'Recent news is sad' in Japanese.
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Say 'The weather lately is nice' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, I've been eating out a lot' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, I've been feeling stressed' in Japanese.
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Say 'These days, I stay at home' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, I've been drinking tea' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, I've been walking' in Japanese.
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Say 'The food lately is delicious' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, I've been reading manga' in Japanese.
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Say 'Lately, I've been happy' in Japanese.
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Listen and identify the word: 'Chikagoro'
Listen and translate: '近頃、忙しいです。'
Listen and translate: '近頃、寒くなりましたね。'
Listen and translate: '近頃、どうですか？'
Listen and translate: '近頃の若者は元気です。'
Listen and translate: '近頃、野菜が高いです。'
Listen and translate: '近頃、よく本を読みます。'
Listen and translate: '近頃、雨が多いですね。'
Listen and translate: '近頃の天気はいいです。'
Listen and translate: '近頃、日本語を勉強しています。'
Listen and translate: '近頃、テレビを見ません。'
Listen and translate: '近頃は、家で仕事をしています。'
Listen and translate: '近頃、新しいカフェができました。'
Listen and translate: '近頃のニュースは悲しいです。'
Listen and translate: '近頃、体調はどうですか？'
Translate: 'Lately, I've been happy because I'm studying Japanese.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
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Summary
Chikagoro is your go-to word for discussing how the world or your life has changed 'lately.' Use it to start conversations about the weather, society, or your new habits to sound observant and natural. Example: 'Chikagoro, isogashii desu' (I've been busy lately).
- Refers to 'lately' or 'these days' in Japanese.
- Used for ongoing trends, habits, and general observations.
- Functions as an adverb or a noun (with 'no' or 'wa').
- Slightly more formal and observational than the common 'saikin'.
Pair with ~te iru
Since 'chikagoro' refers to a period of time, it sounds most natural when paired with the continuous verb form (~te iru). This emphasizes that the action or state is ongoing.
Business Small Talk
Use 'chikagoro' to start a conversation with a Japanese colleague about the weather or general busyness. It’s a safe, polite way to build rapport before getting into business.
No 'ni' Particle
Remember not to add 'ni' after 'chikagoro' when using it as an adverb. It’s a relative time word, just like 'kyou' (today) or 'ashita' (tomorrow).
Chikagoro vs. Saikin
If you're talking about a trend (like 'Everyone is using this app lately'), use 'chikagoro.' If you're talking about something you did once (like 'I went to a new restaurant recently'), use 'saikin'.
Beispiel
近頃の若者です。
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr Time Wörter
以後
A1以後 bedeutet 'von nun an' oder 'nachher'. Es markiert einen festen Zeitpunkt in der Zukunft oder Vergangenheit.
午後
A1Nachmittag oder P.M. Es steht vor der Uhrzeit.
終日
A1Den ganzen Tag über, von morgens bis abends. Formeller Ausdruck.
以前
A1Izen bedeutet 'früher' oder 'zuvor' auf Japanisch.
世紀
A1Das 21. Jahrhundert ist das Informationszeitalter.
明後日
A1Übermorgen. 'Wir treffen uns übermorgen' bedeutet 'Asatte aimashou'.
一昨日
A1Vorgestern. Es bezieht sich auf den Tag, der zwei Tage vor dem heutigen Tag liegt.
年代
A1Bezieht sich auf einen bestimmten Zeitraum oder eine Ära, meist für Jahrzehnte wie die 1990er Jahre.
遅延
A1Eine Verspätung oder Verzögerung. Wird häufig bei öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln oder im Geschäftsleben verwendet.
終了
A1Das Ende oder der Abschluss eines Ereignisses oder Prozesses. Es ist ein formeller Begriff, der häufig in Wirtschaft und Technik verwendet wird.
