Meaning
A brief period of duration.
Cultural Background
Punctuality is vital. If you say you only need a '{短|みじか}い{時間|じかん}', Japanese people expect you to actually be brief. Taking 30 minutes when you asked for 5 is considered rude. The term '{短|たん}{時間|じかん}{正社員|せいしゃいん}' (short-time regular employee) is a relatively new concept in Japan, allowing for better work-life balance. Even a brief tea ceremony is a structured 'short time' where every second is intentional and mindful. TikTok and YouTube Shorts are often described as '{短|みじか}い{時間|じかん}で{楽|たの}しめるコンテンツ' (content you can enjoy in a short time).
The 'De' Rule
Always use 'de' if you are talking about finishing a task. It's the most common way to use this phrase.
Not for People
Never use 'mijikai' to describe a person's height. Use 'se ga hikui' instead.
Meaning
A brief period of duration.
The 'De' Rule
Always use 'de' if you are talking about finishing a task. It's the most common way to use this phrase.
Not for People
Never use 'mijikai' to describe a person's height. Use 'se ga hikui' instead.
Polite Closures
Memorize '{短|みじか}い{時間|じかん}でしたが...' as a set phrase for ending conversations politely.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle to mean 'Finished in a short time'.
{短|みじか}い{時間|じかん}（ ）{終|お}わりました。
The particle 'de' is used to indicate the time limit or duration within which an action is completed.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'It was a short time, but thank you'?
Select the best option:
'Deshita ga' (it was, but) is the standard way to connect the duration to the gratitude.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {明日|あした}、{暇|ひま}？ B: ごめん、{仕事|しごと}があるから（ ）なら{会|あ}えるよ。
B is saying they can meet if it's only for a short time.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are looking for a quick 10-minute workout on YouTube.
You want a 'short time' workout.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{短|みじか}い{時間|じかん}（ ）{終|お}わりました。
The particle 'de' is used to indicate the time limit or duration within which an action is completed.
Select the best option:
'Deshita ga' (it was, but) is the standard way to connect the duration to the gratitude.
A: {明日|あした}、{暇|ひま}？ B: ごめん、{仕事|しごと}があるから（ ）なら{会|あ}えるよ。
B is saying they can meet if it's only for a short time.
Situation: You are looking for a quick 10-minute workout on YouTube.
You want a 'short time' workout.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but 'mijikai toki' sounds more poetic or refers to a specific 'time/occasion' rather than a 'duration'. 'Jikan' is better for duration.
Yes, 'tanjikan' is more professional. Use '{短|みじか}い{時間|じかん}' for general conversation.
Usually anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour, depending on the context. In a meeting, 15 minutes is a 'short time'.
No, for a book you would just say '{短|みじか}い{本|ほん}' (a short book) or '{薄|うす}い{本|ほん}' (a thin book).
The opposite is '{長|なが}い{時間|じかん}' (nagai jikan).
Related Phrases
{長|なが}い{時間|じかん}
contrastA long time
{短|たん}{時間|じかん}
specialized formShort time (compound noun)
ちょっとの{間|あいだ}
similarA little while
あっという{間|ま}
builds onIn the blink of an eye
