にちようび in 30 Seconds
- Sunday in Japanese is にちようび (nichiyōbi).
- It's the seventh day of the week.
- Used for weekend plans and days off.
- Essential for scheduling and daily conversation.
The Japanese word にちようび (nichiyōbi) means 'Sunday'. It is a noun and is commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the seventh day of the week.
- Basic Meaning
- Sunday, the day of rest.
- Usage
- It's used when discussing weekend plans, the end of the week, or specific events that occur on Sundays. For example, people might talk about going to the park, visiting family, or watching a sports game on a Sunday.
今週のにちようびは、友人と映画を見に行きます。
- Cultural Significance
- While not as universally observed as in some Western cultures, Sunday is generally a day off for many workers and a time for relaxation. Many shops and businesses are open, though some smaller establishments might close. It's also a popular day for festivals and local events.
明日のにちようびは、何をしますか？
- Etymology
- The word にちようび comes from the Chinese characters 日曜日. 日 (nichi) means 'sun' or 'day', and 曜日 (yōbi) means 'day of the week'. So, literally, it means 'sun day', reflecting its connection to the sun, just like 'Sunday' in English.
家族とにちようびに公園を散歩しました。
Using にちようび (nichiyōbi) in sentences is straightforward. It functions as a noun and can be the subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase, usually indicating a specific day. The particle 'に' (ni) is often used with days of the week to indicate when something happens.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- [Event] は にちようび に あります。( [Event] wa nichiyōbi ni arimasu.) - [Event] is on Sunday.
にちようびは、家族と食事をします。
- Asking about Sunday Plans
- To ask what someone will do on Sunday, you can use: にちようび は 何をしますか？ (Nichiyōbi wa nani o shimasu ka?)
来週のにちようびは、空いていますか？
- Declining Plans for Sunday
- If you are busy on Sunday, you might say: にちようび は 忙しいです。(Nichiyōbi wa isogashii desu.) - I am busy on Sunday.
ごめんなさい、にちようび は 約束があります。
- Referring to Last or Next Sunday
- You can use words like 先週 (senshū - last week) or 来週 (raishū - next week) before にちようび (nichiyōbi) to specify: 先週のにちようび (senshū no nichiyōbi - last Sunday), 来週のにちようび (raishū no nichiyōbi - next Sunday).
先週のにちようびは、友達の誕生日パーティーがありました。
You will hear にちようび (nichiyōbi) in a wide variety of everyday situations in Japan. Its frequency is high due to its role in defining weekly schedules and weekend activities.
- Casual Conversations
- Friends and family often discuss their plans for the upcoming weekend. You'll hear phrases like: 「にちようびは、どこか行きますか？」 (Nichiyōbi wa dokoka ikimasu ka? - Are you going anywhere on Sunday?) or 「にちようびは、家でゆっくりします。」 (Nichiyōbi wa, ie de yukkuri shimasu. - I'll relax at home on Sunday.)
「明日のにちようび、晴れるといいね。」
- Workplace and School
- Colleagues might discuss weekend activities or plans for Monday morning based on what happened on Sunday. For example, a teacher might ask students about their weekend: 「にちようびは、何か楽しいことはありましたか？」 (Nichiyōbi wa, nanika tanoshii koto wa arimashita ka? - Did anything fun happen on Sunday?)
「にちようびの試合、見ましたか？」
- Media and Announcements
- TV weather forecasts, event announcements, and advertisements often mention schedules. You might hear: 「にちようびは、全国的に晴れるでしょう。」 (Nichiyōbi wa, zenkokuteki ni hareru deshō. - It will be sunny nationwide on Sunday.) or schedules for museums or parks might say, 「にちようびは休館日です。」 (Nichiyōbi wa kyūkanbi desu. - Sunday is a closing day.)
「にちようび限定のセールが始まります。」
- Scheduling Appointments
- When making appointments or reservations, people often specify the day. For example, a restaurant might ask, 「にちようびのご予約ですか？」 (Nichiyōbi no goyoyaku desu ka? - Is this a reservation for Sunday?)
「にちようびの午後は、いかがですか？」
While にちようび (nichiyōbi) is a fundamental word, learners sometimes make minor errors, often related to particles or context.
- Incorrect Particle Usage
- Mistake: Using the wrong particle or omitting it when it's crucial. For example, saying にちようび は 行く (Nichiyōbi wa iku) instead of にちようび に 行く (Nichiyōbi ni iku) when specifying a single instance. While omitting 'に' is sometimes acceptable in casual speech for recurring events, it's best practice for learners to include it for clarity when referring to a specific Sunday.
Incorrect: にちようび 行きます。
Correct: にちようび に 行きます。
- Confusing with Other Days
- Mistake: Mixing up にちようび with other days of the week, especially Saturday (どようび - doyōbi). While context usually clarifies, it's important to learn the distinct terms for each day.
Incorrect: 明日はにちようびです。(If tomorrow is actually Saturday)
Correct: 明日はどようびです。
- Overuse of 'de' Particle
- Mistake: Using the particle 'で' (de) to indicate the time when an event occurs. While 'で' is used for duration or location of action, 'に' is the standard particle for specifying a point in time, including days of the week.
Incorrect: にちようびで会います。
Correct: にちようびに会います。
- Pronunciation Nuances
- Mistake: Pronouncing the 'ō' sound too short or inconsistently. The 'ō' in にちようび is a long vowel sound, similar to the 'o' in 'go' but held slightly longer. Incorrect pronunciation can sometimes lead to slight misunderstandings, though context usually saves the day.
Pay attention to the long 'ō' sound in 'yōbi'.
While にちようび (nichiyōbi) is the standard term for Sunday, there are related concepts and ways to refer to the weekend.
- Weekend
- しゅうまつ (shūmatsu): This means 'weekend'. It encompasses both Saturday and Sunday. You would use this to talk about weekend plans in general, rather than a specific day.
- Example: 「しゅうまつは、何をしましたか？」 (Shūmatsu wa, nani o shimashita ka? - What did you do over the weekend?)
- Comparison: にちようび is a specific day, while しゅうまつ is the period covering Saturday and Sunday.
- Saturday
- どようび (doyōbi): This means 'Saturday'. It's the day before Sunday and is also part of the weekend.
- Example: 「どようびは友達と遊びました。」 (Doyōbi wa tomodachi to asobimashita. - I played with friends on Saturday.)
- Comparison: にちようび is Sunday, どようび is Saturday. They are sequential days.
- Referring to the Week
- しゅう (shū) / いちねん (ichinen): While not direct synonyms, words like 'week' (週 - shū) or 'year' (年 - nen) are used in broader temporal contexts. You might hear about 'weekly holidays' (週休 - shūkyū) which often includes Sunday.
- Example: 「週休二日制」 (Shūkyū futsukasei - two days off per week system), which often implies Saturday and Sunday.
- Comparison: These refer to longer periods than just a single day like にちようび.
「しゅうまつはにちようびもどようびも予定があります。」
Pronunciation Guide
- Not pronouncing the 'ō' in 'yōbi' as a long vowel.
- Pronouncing 'chi' too softly.
- Confusing the order of syllables.
Examples by Level
今日は日曜日です。
Today is Sunday.
Simple statement of fact.
日曜日、遊びます。
I will play on Sunday.
Using the particle 'に' to indicate the day of the week.
日曜日は休みです。
Sunday is a day off.
Common phrase for a day of rest.
明日は日曜日です。
Tomorrow is Sunday.
Referring to the next day.
日曜日、何をしますか？
What will you do on Sunday?
Asking about plans.
日曜日は忙しいです。
I am busy on Sunday.
Describing one's state on a specific day.
先週の日曜日は雨でした。
Last Sunday it rained.
Referring to a past Sunday.
来週の日曜日は晴れるといいね。
It would be nice if next Sunday is sunny.
Expressing a wish about future weather.
毎週末、家族と一緒に食べます。でも、特に日曜日は楽しいです。
Every weekend, I eat with my family. But Sunday is especially fun.
Emphasizing a specific day within a broader period.
来週の日曜日、友だちの家でパーティーがあります。
Next Sunday, there will be a party at my friend's house.
Using 'で' (de) to indicate the location of the event.
日曜日は大抵、図書館へ行きます。
I usually go to the library on Sundays.
Using '大抵' (taitei - usually) with a day of the week.
日曜日の午前中は空いていますか？
Are you free on Sunday morning?
Asking about availability during a specific part of the day.
日曜日は特別な日なので、楽しい予定を入れたいです。
Sunday is a special day, so I want to make fun plans.
Using 'ので' (node - because/so) to connect clauses.
今日は土曜日で、明日は日曜日です。
Today is Saturday, and tomorrow is Sunday.
Consecutive days.
日曜日の夜は静かに過ごしたいです。
I want to spend Sunday night quietly.
Specifying a part of the day.
日曜日は家族と散歩に行きます。
I go for a walk with my family on Sundays.
Habitual action on a specific day.
先週の日曜日は、雨だったため、予定していた公園でのピクニックは中止になりました。
Last Sunday, due to rain, the planned picnic in the park was canceled.
Using 'ため' (tame - because/due to) to explain a reason.
この地域では、日曜日に開いている店が少ないので、買い物は土曜日までに済ませたいです。
In this area, few shops are open on Sundays, so I want to finish shopping by Saturday.
Using '〜ないため' (nai tame - because not open) and '〜までに' (made ni - by).
日曜日の午後は決まって家で映画を観る習慣にしています。
I have made it a habit to watch movies at home on Sunday afternoons.
Using '〜習慣にする' (shūkan ni suru - to make it a habit).
来週の日曜日は特別なイベントがあるので、街は賑わうでしょう。
Next Sunday, there is a special event, so the town will likely be lively.
Using '〜でしょう' (deshō - probably/likely) for prediction.
日曜日の朝は普段より遅くまで寝ている人が多い。
Many people sleep later than usual on Sunday mornings.
Using '〜より' (yori - than) for comparison.
日曜日に限らず、週末は何か楽しいことをしたい。
Not limited to Sunday, I want to do something fun over the weekend.
Using '〜に限りらず' (ni kagirirazu - not limited to).
日曜日の午後に開かれる講演会に参加する予定です。
I plan to attend a lecture held on Sunday afternoon.
Using a relative clause to describe the event.
最近、日曜日の夜に来週の仕事の準備をすることが多い。
Recently, I often do preparations for next week's work on Sunday nights.
Using '〜することが多い' (suru koto ga ooi - often do).
日曜日に限らず、週末は家族と過ごす時間を大切にしたいと考えている。
I'm thinking that I want to cherish the time spent with my family over the weekend, not just on Sundays.
Using '〜と考えている' (to kangaete iru - am thinking that).
日曜日の午前中は少し遅くまで寝てしまう性で、午後からしか活動できないことが多い。
Because I tend to oversleep a bit on Sunday mornings, I often can only be active from the afternoon onwards.
Using '〜性で' (sei de - due to the nature of) and '〜しか〜できない' (shika dekinai - can only).
最近、都会の喧騒から逃れるため、日曜日には近郊の自然を楽しむようにしている。
Recently, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, I have been trying to enjoy nature in the suburbs on Sundays.
Using '〜ため' (tame - in order to) and '〜ようにしている' (yō ni shite iru - trying to).
日曜日の午後に開催される無料の音楽コンサートは、地元民だけでなく観光客にも人気がある。
The free music concert held on Sunday afternoon is popular not only with locals but also with tourists.
Using '〜だけでなく〜も' (dake de naku mo - not only... but also).
日曜日に限って問題が起こるわけではないが、週の始まりに向けて気が重くなる。
It's not that problems only happen on Sundays, but I feel a bit down towards the beginning of the week.
Using '〜に限って' (ni kagitte - specifically/only) and '〜わけではない' (wake de wa nai - it's not that).
伝統的な祭りは日曜日に行われることが多いが、近年では土曜日に移される場合も増えている。
Traditional festivals are often held on Sundays, but in recent years, there has been an increase in cases where they are moved to Saturdays.
Using '〜場合も増えている' (baai mo fuete iru - cases are increasing).
日曜日の午後は家族と静かに過ごす時間にしたいと思っているが、結局いつも忙しくなってしまう。
I intend to spend Sunday afternoons quietly with my family, but in the end, it always becomes busy.
Using '〜と〜が、〜なってしまう' (to ~ ga, ~ natte shimau - intend to do X but end up doing Y).
日曜日の朝は普段の生活から解放され、少し贅沢な気分を味わうことができる。
On Sunday mornings, one can feel liberated from everyday life and enjoy a slightly luxurious feeling.
Using '〜することができる' (suru koto ga dekiru - can do).
日曜日の朝に限って、普段は読まない専門誌を読むことで、知的好奇心を満たしている。
By reading specialized magazines that I don't usually read, I satisfy my intellectual curiosity, specifically on Sunday mornings.
Using '〜ことで' (koto de - by doing) and '〜を満たしている' (o mitashite iru - is satisfying).
日曜日の午後に開催される地域の交流イベントは、近年、参加者が減少しており、その要因を分析する必要がある。
The community exchange event held on Sunday afternoons has seen a decrease in participants in recent years, and it is necessary to analyze the reasons for this.
Using '〜しており' (shite ori - and/and thus) and '〜必要がある' (hitsuyō ga aru - it is necessary to).
日曜日の夜に限り、明日からの仕事に備えて気分転換を図るため、少し長めに入浴している。
Only on Sunday nights, in order to refresh myself in preparation for work starting tomorrow, I take a slightly longer bath.
Using '〜限り' (kagiri - only) and '〜を図るため' (o hakaru tame - in order to achieve/plan).
日曜日は休日ではあるものの、私の職業では業務が発生することが稀ではない。
Although Sunday is a holiday, it is not rare for work to arise in my profession.
Using '〜ではあるものの' (de wa aru mono no - although/even though) and '〜が稀ではない' (ga mare de wa nai - is not rare).
日曜日の朝の静寂は、平日の喧騒とは対照的であり、一日の始まりに穏やかな気分をもたらす。
The tranquility of Sunday mornings is in contrast to the hustle and bustle of weekdays, bringing a calm mood to the start of the day.
Using '〜とは対照的であり' (to taishōteki de ari - is in contrast to) and '〜をもたらす' (o motarasu - brings about).
日曜日の午後に行われる地域の祭りは、近年、若者の参加が減少しており、伝統の継承が課題となっている。
The community festival held on Sunday afternoons has seen a decline in youth participation in recent years, posing a challenge for the succession of tradition.
Using '〜が課題となっている' (ga kadai to natte iru - is becoming a challenge).
日曜日の夜に限って、普段は口にしないような内省的な思いを巡らせることがある。
It is only on Sunday nights that I sometimes find myself contemplating introspective thoughts that I don't usually express.
Using '〜ような' (yō na - like/such as) and '〜を巡らせる' (o meguraseru - to let thoughts wander).
日曜日の午後は、家族と一緒に過ごす時間を設けるように努めているが、現実には様々な都合で計画が頓挫することも少なくない。
I strive to set aside time to spend with my family on Sunday afternoons, but in reality, plans often fall through due to various circumstances.
Using '〜ように努めている' (yō ni tsutomete iru - striving to do) and '〜ことも少なくない' (koto mo sukunakunai - not uncommon).
日曜日の静寂に身を置くことで、平日に蓄積された疲労が癒され、次の週への英気を養うことができる。
By immersing myself in the tranquility of Sunday, the fatigue accumulated during the weekdays is healed, and I can cultivate the energy for the following week.
Using '〜に身を置く' (ni mi o oku - to immerse oneself in) and '〜を養うことができる' (o yashinau koto ga dekiru - can cultivate/nourish).
日曜日の午後のひととき、過去の出来事を回想し、将来への展望を描くことは、自己の成長に不可欠な行為である。
During a moment on Sunday afternoon, reminiscing about past events and envisioning the future is an indispensable act for self-growth.
Using '〜することは不可欠な行為である' (suru koto wa fukaketsu na kōi de aru - is an indispensable act).
日曜日の市場は活況を呈し、様々な農産物や工芸品が取引されるが、その賑わいは地域の経済の活性化に寄与している。
The Sunday market is bustling, with various agricultural products and crafts being traded, and this liveliness contributes to the revitalization of the local economy.
Using '〜を呈し' (o teishi - presenting/showing) and '〜に寄与している' (ni kiyo shite iru - is contributing to).
日曜日の午後に限り、長年の友人と会い、互いの人生の軌跡を辿る時間は、何物にも代えがたい貴重な機会である。
The time spent meeting with a long-time friend and tracing the paths of each other's lives on Sunday afternoons is an invaluable opportunity that cannot be replaced by anything.
Using '〜は何物にも代えがたい' (wa nanimono ni mo kaegatai - is irreplaceable) and '〜である' (de aru - is).
日曜日の朝に限り、普段は行わない読書会を開催し、思想の深淵に触れることで、自己の視野を広げている。
Only on Sunday mornings do I hold a book club, and by touching the depths of thought, I am broadening my own perspective.
Using '〜することで' (koto de - by doing) and '〜に触れる' (ni fureru - to touch/experience).
日曜日の午後の穏やかな時間に身を置くことで、平日の多忙な日常から解放され、精神的な均衡を回復させている。
By immersing myself in the calm Sunday afternoons, I am liberated from the busy daily life of weekdays and am restoring my mental balance.
Using '〜に身を置く' (ni mi o oku - to immerse oneself in) and '〜を回復させている' (o kaifuku sasete iru - is restoring).
日曜日の夜に限り、翌週の課題に対する覚悟を固めるため、独りで静かに思考する時間を設けている。
It is only on Sunday nights that I set aside time to quietly contemplate in order to solidify my resolve towards the assignments of the following week.
Using '〜ため' (tame - in order to) and '〜を設けている' (o mōkete iru - am setting aside).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— It is Sunday.
カレンダーを見て、今日は日曜日です。(Karendā o mite, kyō wa nichiyōbi desu.) - Looking at the calendar, today is Sunday.
— I will go on Sunday.
友達に会いに、日曜日 に行きます。(Tomodachi ni ai ni, nichiyōbi ni ikimasu.) - I will go to meet my friend on Sunday.
— Sunday is a day off.
私の会社は日曜日 は 休みです。(Watashi no kaisha wa nichiyōbi wa yasumi desu.) - My company is closed on Sundays.
— Next Sunday.
来週の日曜日、都合はどうですか？(Raishū no nichiyōbi, tsugō wa dō desu ka?) - How is your availability next Sunday?
— Last Sunday.
先週の日曜日は家族と旅行しました。(Senshū no nichiyōbi wa kazoku to ryokō shimashita.) - I traveled with my family last Sunday.
— Sunday morning.
日曜日 の 午前はいつもゆっくりしています。(Nichiyōbi no gozen wa itsumo yukkuri shite imasu.) - I always take it easy on Sunday mornings.
— Sunday afternoon.
日曜日 の 午後は映画を見ました。(Nichiyōbi no gogo wa eiga o mimashita.) - I watched a movie on Sunday afternoon.
— Sunday night.
日曜日 の 夜は早く寝ます。(Nichiyōbi no yoru wa hayaku nemasu.) - I go to bed early on Sunday nights.
— Every Sunday.
毎週日曜日、教会に行きます。(Maishū nichiyōbi, kyōkai ni ikimasu.) - I go to church every Sunday.
— I like Sunday.
日曜日 が一番好きです。なぜなら、リラックスできるからです。(Nichiyōbi ga ichiban suki desu. Nazenara, rirakkusu dekiru kara desu.) - I like Sunday the best because I can relax.
Idioms & Expressions
— To eagerly await Sunday (for rest or a special event).
週末のイベントのために、日曜日を待っています。(Shūmatsu no ibento no tame ni, nichiyōbi o matte imasu.) - I'm eagerly awaiting Sunday for the weekend event.
Informal— Giving up one's Sunday (to work or do something important).
大事なプロジェクトのため、日曜日返上で働きました。(Daiji na purojekuto no tame, nichiyōbi henjō de hatarakimashita.) - I worked through Sunday for an important project.
Neutral/Slightly Formal— To gather on Sundays (often referring to regular meetings or family gatherings).
家族が毎週日曜日に集まるのが習慣です。(Kazoku ga maishū nichiyōbi ni atsumaru no ga shūkan desu.) - It's a custom for the family to gather every Sunday.
Neutral— Feeling relaxed and leisurely, like it's Sunday, even if it's not.
今日は仕事が早く終わったので、日曜日気分です。(Kyō wa shigoto ga hayaku owatta node, nichiyōbi kibun desu.) - Work finished early today, so I feel like it's Sunday.
Informal— The Sunday blues; a feeling of sadness or anxiety as the weekend ends and the work week approaches.
日曜日の夜になると、いつも日曜日の憂鬱を感じます。(Nichiyōbi no yoru ni naru to, itsumo nichiyōbi no yūutsu o kanjimasu.) - When Sunday night comes, I always feel the Sunday blues.
Neutral/Slightly Formal— Cannot wait until Sunday (for something exciting).
新しいゲームが発売されるので、日曜日まで待てません！(Atarashii gēmu ga hatsubai sareru node, nichiyōbi made matemasen!) - The new game is being released, so I can't wait until Sunday!
Informal— Sunday is ruined or wasted (due to unforeseen circumstances).
急な仕事で、せっかくの予定が日曜日が潰れてしまった。(Kyū na shigoto de, sekkaku no yotei ga nichiyōbi ga tsuburete shimatta.) - Due to sudden work, my precious plans for Sunday were ruined.
Informal— To rest on Sunday.
健康のためにも、日曜日は休むようにしています。(Kenkō no tame ni mo, nichiyōbi wa yasumu yō ni shite imasu.) - For the sake of health, I try to rest on Sundays.
Neutral— To spend Sunday.
日曜日をどう過ごしましたか？(Nichiyōbi o dō sugoshimashita ka?) - How did you spend your Sunday?
Neutral— Sunday and Monday (often implying the transition from weekend to work week).
日曜日と月曜日の間が一番大変です。(Nichiyōbi to getsuyōbi no aida ga ichiban taihen desu.) - The time between Sunday and Monday is the hardest.
NeutralWord Family
Nouns
Related
Summary
にちようび (nichiyōbi) translates to Sunday, the final day of the week, commonly associated with rest and leisure, making it a vital word for discussing weekend plans and schedules.
- Sunday in Japanese is にちようび (nichiyōbi).
- It's the seventh day of the week.
- Used for weekend plans and days off.
- Essential for scheduling and daily conversation.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More daily_life words
もう少し
B1A little more.
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
