Explanation at your level:
Hello! Let's learn a new word: 今週 (konshuu). This word means 'this week'. It's like saying 'this week' in English. For example, if today is Tuesday, 'this week' means today, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can use it to talk about things happening now. Like, 'I will play this week!' It's a simple word for talking about time.
Great job learning 今週 (konshuu)! This word means 'this week'. It refers to the current seven days. You can use it to make plans or talk about what's happening right now. For example, you can say, '今週の週末は友達と会います' (Konshuu no shuumatsu wa tomodachi to aimasu), which means 'I will meet friends this weekend'. It's a very common word for everyday conversations.
You're doing well with 今週 (konshuu), meaning 'this week'. This term is essential for discussing immediate plans and events. You can combine it with other time expressions. For instance, '今週中に宿題を終わらせます' (Konshuu chuu ni shukudai o owarasemasu) means 'I will finish my homework within this week'. Understanding 今週 helps you navigate schedules and commitments effectively.
Let's explore 今週 (konshuu) further. As 'this week', it's a fundamental temporal marker. You'll encounter it in various contexts, from casual chat to more structured communication. Consider phrases like '今週の予定を確認しましょう' (Konshuu no yotei o kakunin shimashou) - 'Let's confirm this week's schedule'. Notice its neutral register, making it suitable for both informal and professional settings.
Delving deeper into 今週 (konshuu), we see its role in nuanced temporal discussions. While its core meaning is 'this week', its usage can imply immediacy or a focus on the current cycle. For example, in a business context, '今週の業績について報告します' (Konshuu no gyouseki ni tsuite houkoku shimasu) - 'I will report on this week's performance' - highlights a specific, relevant period.
The term 今週 (konshuu) represents 'this week' with a clarity that belies its simplicity. Its etymology, combining 'now' (今) and 'week' (週), underscores its directness. Culturally, its usage aligns with the global standard of a seven-day week, appearing in everything from personal diaries to official reports. Understanding its precise temporal scope is key to mastering Japanese temporal expressions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 今週 (konshuu) means 'this week'.
- It's a neutral term used in daily conversation and formal settings.
- Combine it with particles like は (wa) or に (ni) for correct grammar.
- Antonyms include 来週 (next week) and 先週 (last week).
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese word 今週 (konshuu). It's a super useful word that means 'this week'. Think of it as your go-to phrase when you're talking about plans, events, or anything happening within the current seven-day span. It's one of those everyday words that makes understanding Japanese conversations so much easier!
When you use 今週, you're pinpointing a specific, immediate timeframe. It's not last week, and it's not next week; it's *this* week, right now. This makes it incredibly handy for scheduling meetings, discussing homework deadlines, or even just chatting about what you did or plan to do over the next few days. It’s a building block for talking about time in Japanese!
Understanding 今週 helps you grasp the flow of time in Japanese. It’s often used with other time-related words and particles, so once you get the hang of it, you’ll unlock a whole new level of understanding. Get ready to become a pro at talking about your current week!
The word 今週 (konshuu) is a fantastic example of how Japanese combines characters to create meaning. The first character, 今 (kon), means 'now' or 'this'. You see it in words like 'konnichiwa' (hello, today) and 'ima' (now). The second character, 週 (shuu), means 'week'. This character itself has interesting roots, often related to concepts of circulation or cycles.
Together, 今 + 週 literally translates to 'this week'. It’s a straightforward combination, making it easy to remember. The character 週 is borrowed from Chinese, where it also signifies a week. Historically, the concept of a seven-day week became more standardized over time, and words like 'konshuu' evolved to fit this structure within the Japanese language.
It's fascinating how languages borrow and adapt. While the seven-day week is a relatively modern global standard, the way Japanese formed 今週 is a testament to its logical character-based system. It’s a word that’s both ancient in its components and modern in its usage, perfectly fitting into our contemporary understanding of time.
Using 今週 (konshuu) is pretty common and straightforward! You'll often hear it in everyday conversations. For example, you might say 今週の予定 (konshuu no yotei) which means 'this week's schedule'. Or perhaps 今週は忙しい (konshuu wa isogashii), meaning 'I'm busy this week'. It’s versatile!
When talking about specific days within this week, you can combine 今週 with day names. For instance, 今週の月曜日 (konshuu no getsuyoubi) means 'this Monday'. This helps to be very precise. You can also use it with verbs to talk about actions happening now: 今週、旅行します (konshuu, ryokou shimasu) - 'I will travel this week'.
In terms of formality, 今週 is quite neutral. You can use it in casual chats with friends or in more formal settings like business meetings without sounding out of place. It’s a reliable word that fits almost anywhere you need to refer to the current week. Just remember to pay attention to context, as with any word!
While 今週 (konshuu) itself isn't typically part of many fixed idioms, it's a key component in phrases that describe the passage of time. Understanding these related expressions will boost your fluency!
Here are some common ways 今週 is used:
- 今週いっぱい (konshuu ippai): This means 'all week long' or 'throughout this week'. It emphasizes the duration. For example, 今週いっぱいは忙しいです (Konshuu ippai wa isogashii desu) - 'I'll be busy all week long'.
- 今週中に (konshuu chuu ni): This translates to 'within this week' or 'by the end of this week'. It implies completion before the week is over. Example: レポートを今週中に出します (Repooto o konshuu chuu ni dashimasu) - 'I will submit the report by the end of this week'.
- 来週 (raishuu) and 先週 (senshuu): While not idioms, these are crucial antonyms meaning 'next week' and 'last week' respectively. They help frame 今週 in context.
- 今週の目玉 (konshuu no medama): Literally 'this week's eyeball', this idiomatically means 'this week's highlight' or 'main attraction'. It's used to point out something special happening this week.
- 週明け (shuuake): This refers to the beginning of the week, usually Monday. It's often used in contrast to the end of the current week. Example: 週明けに会議があります (Shuuake ni kaigi ga arimasu) - 'There's a meeting at the start of the week'.
Mastering these phrases will help you sound more natural when discussing timeframes!
Let's break down the pronunciation and grammar of 今週 (konshuu). Phonetically, it's pronounced roughly as 'kon-shoo'. The 'n' sound is like the English 'n', and 'shuu' is a long 'shoo' sound, similar to the start of 'shoe'. In Japanese, the pitch accent is generally flat or has a slight rise on the first syllable, but it's not as critical as stress in English.
Grammatically, 今週 functions as a noun, specifically a temporal noun. It can be the subject of a sentence (though less common), the object, or used with particles like 'wa' (は) for topic marking, 'ni' (に) for time indication, or 'no' (の) for possession or modification. For instance, 今週は暖かそうだ (Konshuu wa atatakasou da) - 'It looks warm this week'.
It doesn't have plural forms because 'week' is a unit of time that is inherently singular in this context. You won't say 'this weeks'. When referring to multiple weeks, other terms like 'sankashuu' (three weeks) are used. There are no articles like 'a' or 'the' needed before 今週. It stands on its own as a specific time reference.
Fun Fact
The character 週 (shuu) itself is composed of 'chok' (related to walking/journey) and 'chou' (related to circling or repeating), hinting at the cyclical nature of a week.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'kon-SHOO', with the 'kon' part relatively short and the 'shoo' part elongated. The stress is slightly more on the 'shoo'.
Similar to UK, 'kon-SHOO', with the emphasis on the 'shoo' sound. The vowel in 'kon' might be slightly more open.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'shuu' too short, making it sound like 'kon-shu'.
- Adding an English 'n' sound to 'shuu', like 'kon-shoon'.
- Incorrect stress, putting too much emphasis on 'kon'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in most contexts.
Easy to write in standard sentences.
Easy to pronounce and use in conversation.
Easy to understand when spoken by native speakers.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Topic Marker は (wa)
今週<strong>は</strong>暖かいです。(Konshuu <strong>wa</strong> atatakai desu.) - It is warm <strong>this week</strong>.
Time Particle に (ni)
今週<strong>に</strong>旅行します。(Konshuu <strong>ni</strong> ryokou shimasu.) - I will travel <strong>this week</strong>.
Possessive Particle の (no)
今週<strong>の</strong>予定は何ですか？(Konshuu <strong>no</strong> yotei wa nan desu ka?) - What is <strong>this week's</strong> schedule?
Examples by Level
今週、公園に行きます。
This week, park go.
今週 (konshuu) = this week (time noun). 行きます (ikimasu) = go (verb).
今週は楽しいです。
This week is fun.
は (wa) = topic marker. 楽しい (tanoshii) = fun (adjective).
今週、本を読みます。
This week, book read.
本 (hon) = book. 読みます (yomimasu) = read (verb).
今週、雨が降りますか？
This week, rain fall?
雨 (ame) = rain. 降ります (furimasu) = fall (verb).
今週、新しい友達が来ます。
This week, new friend come.
新しい (atarashii) = new. 友達 (tomodachi) = friend.
今週、宿題があります。
This week, homework have.
宿題 (shukudai) = homework. あります (arimasu) = have/exist (verb).
今週、お祭りはありますか？
This week, festival is?
お祭り (omatsuri) = festival. か (ka) = question particle.
今週、お母さんが来ます。
This week, mother come.
お母さん (okaasan) = mother. 来ます (kimasu) = come (verb).
今週の金曜日に映画を見に行きます。
This week's Friday movie go to see.
金曜日 (kinyoubi) = Friday. 映画 (eiga) = movie.
今週はあまり忙しくないです。
This week not very busy.
あまり (amari) = not much/very (used with negative). 忙しい (isogashii) = busy.
今週中にこの本を読み終えたいです。
Within this week this book finish reading want.
読み終える (yomioeru) = finish reading. 〜たい (tai) = want to.
先週は暑かったですが、今週は涼しいです。
Last week hot, but this week cool.
先週 (senshuu) = last week. 涼しい (suzushii) = cool.
今週の土曜日にパーティーがあります。
This week's Saturday party is.
土曜日 (doyoubi) = Saturday. パーティー (paatii) = party.
今週は新しい仕事の研修があります。
This week new job training is.
仕事 (shigoto) = job. 研修 (kenshuu) = training.
今週の月曜日は会議で忙しかったです。
This week's Monday meeting busy was.
月曜日 (getsuyoubi) = Monday. 会議 (kaigi) = meeting.
今週、家族で旅行する予定です。
This week, family with travel plan is.
家族 (kazoku) = family. 旅行 (ryokou) = travel.
今週いっぱい、新しいプロジェクトの準備に追われています。
All week long, new project preparation by chased am.
いっぱい (ippai) = full, all. 追われる (owareru) = to be chased/overwhelmed.
今週中に提出しなければならない書類がいくつかあります。
Within this week must submit documents several exist.
提出する (teishutsu suru) = to submit. 〜なければならない (nakereba naranai) = must do.
先週の反省を踏まえ、今週は改善策を実行します。
Last week's reflection based on, this week improvement measures implement.
反省 (hansei) = reflection/review. 改善策 (kaizensaku) = improvement measures.
今週の目玉商品は、特別価格で提供されます。
This week's highlight product, special price at offered will be.
目玉商品 (medama shouhin) = featured/highlight product. 特別価格 (tokubetsu kakaku) = special price.
週明けには、この件について詳細な会議が開かれる予定です。
Beginning of the week, this matter about detailed meeting held will be planned.
週明け (shuuake) = beginning of the week. 詳細な (shousai na) = detailed.
今週は天気が不安定なので、外出の際は傘をお持ちください。
This week weather unstable so, going out when umbrella please bring.
不安定 (fuantei) = unstable. 外出 (gaishutsu) = going out.
今週の後半は、特に忙しくなりそうです。
This week's latter half, especially busy become likely.
後半 (kouhan) = latter half. 〜そうです (sou desu) = it seems/looks like.
今週の目標は、毎日30分は運動することです。
This week's goal, every day 30 minutes exercise is.
目標 (mokuhyou) = goal. 運動する (undou suru) = to exercise.
今週の業績報告会では、予想を上回る成果を発表できる見込みです。
This week's performance report meeting, expectations exceed results announce can expectation is.
業績報告会 (gyouseki houkokukai) = performance report meeting. 見込み (mikomi) = prospect/expectation.
今週中に、関係各部署と最終的な合意形成を図りたいと考えております。
Within this week, related respective departments with final consensus formation aim want think am.
関係各部署 (kankei kakubusho) = related departments. 合意形成 (goui keisei) = consensus building.
先週の出来事を受けて、今週は組織全体で意識改革に取り組む必要があります。
Last week's events receiving, this week organization whole consciousness reform tackle need.
出来事 (dekigoto) = event. 意識改革 (ishiki kaikaku) = consciousness reform.
今週の講演会は、業界の第一人者を招いており、非常に示唆に富む内容となるでしょう。
This week's lecture, industry's leading figure inviting, very suggestive rich content become will.
講演会 (kouenkai) = lecture/seminar. 第一人者 (daiichi ninsha) = leading figure/expert.
週明けの月曜日には、緊急の取締役会が招集されることになりました。
Beginning of the week Monday, emergency board of directors meeting convened become decided.
取締役会 (torishimariyaku kai) = board of directors meeting. 招集される (shoushuu sareru) = to be convened/summoned.
今週は、長引く梅雨の影響で、各地で河川の増水が懸念されています。
This week, prolonged rainy season's influence by, various places rivers' rising water levels concern is.
長引く (nagabiku) = to be prolonged. 増水 (zousui) = rising water levels.
今週後半にかけて、全国的に気温が上昇する見込みですが、熱中症には十分ご注意ください。
This week latter half towards, nationwide temperature rise expectation is, heatstroke however sufficient please be careful.
全国的に (zenkokuteki ni) = nationwide. 熱中症 (nechuu shou) = heatstroke.
今週の課題は、チーム内のコミュニケーションを円滑化し、潜在的なリスクを早期に特定することです。
This week's task, team within communication smooth make, potential risks early identify is.
円滑化 (enkatsu ka) = smoothing/facilitation. 潜在的 (senzai teki) = potential.
今週の経済指標は、世界的な景気後退懸念を払拭するには至らず、市場は依然として慎重な姿勢を崩していません。
This week's economic indicators, global economic recession concerns dispel to not reach, market still cautious stance maintain not.
経済指標 (keizai shihyou) = economic indicators. 払拭する (fusshoku suru) = to dispel/wipe away.
今週中に、当該案件に関する最終的な意思決定を行うべく、関係者を集めた緊急会議を招集する予定です。
Within this week, the said matter regarding final decision-making perform in order to, related parties gathered emergency meeting convene plan is.
当該案件 (tougai anken) = the said matter/case. 意思決定 (ishi kettei) = decision-making.
先週の予期せぬ出来事の余波は今週も続いており、我々は事態の推移を注視しつつ、柔軟な対応策を講じる必要に迫られています。
Last week's unexpected events' aftermath this week also continuing, we situation's progression observe while, flexible countermeasures take necessity forced are.
余波 (yoha) = aftermath/repercussions. 注視する (chuushi suru) = to watch closely.
今週開催される国際フォーラムでは、気候変動対策における各国の協力体制の強化が主要議題の一つとなる見通しです。
This week held international forum, climate change countermeasures in each country's cooperation system strengthening main agenda one become outlook is.
国際フォーラム (kokusai fooramu) = international forum. 協力体制 (kyouryoku taisei) = cooperation system.
週明けには、新たな規制導入に伴う市場への影響を詳細に分析したレポートが提出される予定となっております。
Beginning of the week, new regulations introduction accompanying market's impact detailed analyze report submitted planned become is.
規制導入 (kisei dounyuu) = introduction of regulations. 影響 (eikyou) = influence/impact.
今週は、記録的な猛暑が予想されるため、国民に対し、不要不急の外出を控えるよう呼びかけています。
This week, record-breaking extreme heat expected so, citizens towards, unnecessary non-urgent going out refrain appeal is.
記録的 (kirokuteki) = record-breaking. 猛暑 (mousho) = extreme heat.
今週後半にかけて、秋雨前線の停滞により、西日本を中心に広範囲で大雨となる恐れがあります。
This week latter half towards, autumn rain front's stagnation due to, Western Japan centering wide area heavy rain become danger is.
秋雨前線 (akusame zensen) = autumn rain front. 停滞 (teitai) = stagnation.
今週の主要な論点は、持続可能な開発目標達成に向けた具体的なロードマップの策定と、その実行体制の構築に集約されます。
This week's main points, sustainable development goals achievement towards concrete roadmap formulation and, its implementation structure construction converge.
持続可能な開発目標 (jizoku kanou na kaihatsu mokuhyou) = Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ロードマップ (roodomappu) = roadmap.
今週公表された最新の統計データは、我々が長らく危惧していた経済構造の歪みを裏付けるものであり、抜本的な政策転換が急務であることを示唆しています。
This week published latest statistical data, we long feared economic structure's distortions confirm that which, fundamental policy shift urgent is implies.
公表された (kouhyou sareta) = published. 危惧していた (kigu shite ita) = had been fearing. 抜本的 (bappon teki) = fundamental/radical.
今週中に、本件に関する最終的な見解をまとめるべく、関係各位からの意見を集約し、その上で最終勧告案を作成する運びとなります。
Within this week, this matter regarding final view summarize in order to, related parties from opinions consolidate, upon that final recommendation draft create process will be.
見解 (kenkai) = view/opinion. 集約し (shuuyaku shi) = consolidating. 運びとなります (hakobi to narimasu) = it will be the process/procedure.
先週の予期せぬ地政学的変動の余波は今週も広範に及んでおり、我々は事態の複雑な推移を丹念に分析しつつ、あらゆるシナリオを想定した危機管理体制の構築を急がねばなりません。
Last week's unexpected geopolitical fluctuations' repercussions this week also widely extending, we situation's complex progression meticulously analyze while, all scenarios envision crisis management system construction urgency must give.
地政学的変動 (chiseigaku teki hendou) = geopolitical fluctuations. 丹念に (tannen ni) = meticulously/carefully.
今週開催される国際シンポジウムでは、ポスト・コロナ時代における新たな社会経済システムのあり方について、多角的な視点からの活発な議論が展開されることが期待されています。
This week held international symposium, post-corona era in new socio-economic system's way of being about, multifaceted perspectives from active discussion unfold expected is.
シンポジウム (shinpojiumu) = symposium. あり方 (arikata) = way of being/ideal form.
週明けには、導入が予定されている新たな技術標準が、既存の産業構造に与えるであろう長期的影響について、詳細な影響評価レポートが公表される運びとなります。
Beginning of the week, introduction planned new technological standards, existing industrial structure to exert will likely long-term impact about, detailed impact assessment report published process will be.
技術標準 (gijutsu hyoujun) = technological standards. 産業構造 (sangyou kouzou) = industrial structure.
今週は、地球規模での異常気象の頻発化・激甚化を踏まえ、国際社会に対し、気候変動対策における協調行動の強化を改めて強く訴えかける方針です。
This week, global scale abnormal weather's frequent occurrence intensification considering, international community towards, climate change countermeasures in cooperative action strengthening again strongly appeal policy is.
異常気象 (ijou kishou) = abnormal weather. 頻発化・激甚化 (hinpatsuka gekijinka) = becoming frequent and severe.
今週後半にかけて、停滞する前線の影響で、広範囲にわたる大雨とそれに伴う土砂災害のリスク増大が予測されており、厳重な警戒が呼びかけられています。
This week latter half towards, stagnant front's influence by, wide area heavy rain and accompanying landslides' risk increase predicted is, strict vigilance called for is.
土砂災害 (dosha saigai) = landslide/mud disaster. 厳重な警戒 (genjuu na keikai) = strict vigilance.
今週の討議の中心は、SDGs達成に向けたロードマップの具体化と、それを実効性あるものとするための官民連携のあり方、そして国際社会における責任分担の明確化に集約される見通しです。
This week's discussion's core, SDGs achievement towards roadmap's concretization and, that effective thing make for public-private partnership's way of being, and international community in responsibility sharing clarification converge outlook is.
討議 (tougi) = discussion/debate. 実効性 (jikkou sei) = effectiveness. 官民連携 (kanmin renkei) = public-private partnership.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"今週いっぱい"
All week long; throughout the current week.
今週いっぱい、残業が続きそうです。
neutral"今週中に"
Within this week; by the end of this week.
この仕事は今週中に終わらせる必要があります。
neutral"今週の目玉"
This week's highlight; the main attraction of the week.
今週の目玉は、特別割引のセールです。
neutral"週明け"
The beginning of the week (usually Monday).
週明けに改めてご連絡いたします。
neutral"山週"
Literally 'mountain week', it refers to a week where one works extremely hard, often implying overtime or intense effort.
今週はまさに山週だ。徹夜続きだよ。
casualEasily Confused
Both refer to a week, but differ in time.
今週 means 'this week' (the current one). 来週 means 'next week' (the one following the current one).
今週は雨です。来週は晴れるでしょう。(Konshuu wa ame desu. Raishuu wa hareru deshou.) - It's raining this week. It will probably be sunny next week.
Both refer to a week, but differ in time.
今週 means 'this week' (the current one). 先週 means 'last week' (the one before the current one).
今週は忙しいです。先週は暇でした。(Konshuu wa isogashii desu. Senshuu wa hima deshita.) - I'm busy this week. I was free last week.
Both contain the character 週 (week) and refer to time.
今週 means 'this specific current week'. 毎週 means 'every week', indicating a recurring event.
今週は会議があります。(Konshuu wa kaigi ga arimasu.) - There is a meeting this week. 毎週会議があります。(Maishuu kaigi ga arimasu.) - There is a meeting every week.
Both mean 'this week' and use the character 週.
今週 is the standard, everyday term. 当週 is a more formal, often written term used in official documents or business contexts.
今週の予定を確認します。(Konshuu no yotei o kakunin shimasu.) - I will check this week's schedule. (Standard) 当週の進捗をご報告ください。(Toushuu no shinchoku o go houkoku kudasai.) - Please report this week's progress. (Formal)
Sentence Patterns
今週 + は + [Description]
今週は暖かいです。
今週 + に + [Event/Action]
今週に旅行します。
今週 + の + [Noun]
今週の目標は何ですか？
今週 + 中 + に + [Action/Deadline]
今週中に宿題を終わらせます。
今週 + いっぱい + [Duration/State]
今週いっぱい忙しいです。
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
In Japanese, temporal nouns like '今週' often require a topic marker like 'は' (wa) when they function as the topic of the sentence.
It's crucial to distinguish between 'this week', 'next week', and 'last week' for accurate time reference.
'今週' is a unit of time and does not take plural forms. Use other expressions to indicate quantity if needed.
Japanese does not use articles like 'the' or 'a'. '今週' itself specifies the current week.
'中に (chuu ni)' implies completion by a deadline within the week, while 'いっぱい (ippai)' means for the entire duration of the week.
Tips
Calendar Association
Keep a physical or digital calendar handy. When you learn '今週', circle the current week on your calendar and write '今週' next to it. Review it daily.
Plan Your Week in Japanese
Every Sunday evening or Monday morning, try writing down 2-3 things you plan to do '今週' (this week) in Japanese. This active usage solidifies the word.
Week Start Day
Be aware that while Monday is often the official start of the work week in Japan, Sunday is also commonly seen as the start of the week in calendars. Context is key!
Particle Power
Remember that temporal nouns like '今週' often pair with particles like 'は' (wa) when acting as the topic, or 'に' (ni) when indicating a specific point or duration within the week.
Long Vowel Practice
Focus on the long 'oo' sound in 'shuu'. Practice saying words like 'shoe' and 'food' to get the vowel length right. Contrast it with short vowels.
Avoid 'The This Week'
Remember, Japanese doesn't use articles like 'the'. Just say '今週', not 'the 今週'.
Character Roots
The character 週 (shuu) comes from Chinese and relates to cycles and movement, perfectly capturing the essence of a week passing.
Contextual Learning
Instead of just memorizing '今週', learn phrases like '今週の予定' (konshuu no yotei - this week's schedule) or '今週は忙しい' (konshuu wa isogashii - I'm busy this week). Context makes words stick!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'CON' in 'congratulations' for '今 (kon)' and 'SHOE' for '週 (shuu)'. Imagine congratulating someone on finishing their SHOE-shopping this week!
Visual Association
Picture a calendar page with the current week circled in bright red, with the Japanese characters 今週 written next to it.
Word Web
Challenge
Try writing down 3 things you plan to do <strong>今週</strong> (this week) in Japanese.
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)
Original meaning: 今 (kon) means 'now' or 'this'. 週 (shuu) means 'week'. Together, 'this week'.
Cultural Context
The concept of a seven-day week is globally standardized, so 'this week' generally carries no cultural sensitivity issues. However, the specific start/end days (Sunday vs. Monday) can vary culturally.
In English-speaking cultures, 'this week' is a fundamental time reference used in planning, scheduling, and discussing current events. It forms the basis of weekly routines and calendars.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work/school
- 今週の予定を確認しましょう。
- 今週中にこのレポートを提出してください。
- 今週は会議が多いです。
Making plans
- 今週の週末、何か予定はありますか？
- 今週、一緒にご飯でもどうですか？
- 今週は忙しいので、来週にしましょう。
Discussing events
- 今週、お祭りが開催されます。
- 今週のニュースを見ましたか？
- 今週、新しい映画が公開されます。
Talking about weather/conditions
- 今週は暑くなりそうです。
- 今週はずっと雨らしいです。
- 今週は空気がきれいです。
Conversation Starters
"今週、何か面白いことありましたか？ (Konshuu, nani ka omoshiroi koto arimashita ka?) - Did anything interesting happen this week?"
"今週の予定はどうですか？ (Konshuu no yotei wa dou desu ka?) - How are your plans for this week?"
"今週、一番楽しみにしていることは何ですか？ (Konshuu, ichiban tanoshimi ni shite iru koto wa nan desu ka?) - What are you looking forward to most this week?"
"今週、何か新しいことを始めましたか？ (Konshuu, nani ka atarashii koto o hajimemashita ka?) - Did you start anything new this week?"
"今週の天気予報、見ましたか？ (Konshuu no tenki yohou, mimashita ka?) - Did you see the weather forecast for this week?"
Journal Prompts
今週、一番感謝していることは何ですか？ (What are you most grateful for this week?)
今週、達成できたこと、できなかったことは何ですか？ (What did you achieve and what didn't you achieve this week?)
来週に向けて、今週から何を学びましたか？ (What did you learn from this week to prepare for next week?)
今週、自分自身をどのように成長させることができましたか？ (How were you able to grow yourself this week?)
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIn Japan, the official start of the week is often considered Monday, but culturally, Sunday is also widely recognized as the start of the week, especially in calendars and personal planning. The context usually clarifies which day is considered the start.
No, 今週 specifically means the *current* week. For the past week, you would use 先週 (senshuu).
今週 (konshuu) is the standard, set term for 'this week'. この週 (kono shuu) is a more literal combination of 'this' + 'week' and is less common, sometimes used for emphasis or in specific grammatical constructions.
Next week is 来週 (raishuu), and last week is 先週 (senshuu).
Yes, you can specify days within the week, like 今週の月曜日 (konshuu no getsuyoubi - this Monday) or 今週の土曜日 (konshuu no doyoubi - this Saturday).
今週中に (konshuu chuu ni) means 'within this week' (by the end of it), implying a deadline. 今週いっぱい (konshuu ippai) means 'all week long' or 'throughout the week', emphasizing the duration.
今週 is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
It's pronounced 'kon-SHOO', with the emphasis slightly on the 'SHOO' part and a slightly elongated 'oo' sound.
Test Yourself
___, 私は友達と遊びます。
The sentence 'I will play with friends' refers to the current week, making '今週' (this week) the correct choice.
What does 今週 (konshuu) mean?
今週 (konshuu) directly translates to 'this week'.
今週 (konshuu) refers to a period in the past.
今週 (konshuu) refers to the current, present week, not the past.
Word
Meaning
These phrases help specify the duration or timing within the current week.
The correct sentence order is '今週に会議があります' (Konshuu ni kaigi ga arimasu), meaning 'There is a meeting this week'.
___、新しいプロジェクトが始まります。
The sentence indicates the start of a new project, implying the current timeframe, thus '今週' (this week) is the most appropriate.
Which phrase means 'by the end of this week'?
今週中に (konshuu chuu ni) specifically means completion within the week, implying a deadline.
今週は天候が不安定なため、外出の際は___。
Given unstable weather, bringing an umbrella is the most logical and common advice.
___、世界経済の動向に注目が集まっています。
The phrase 'attention is focused on the trends of the global economy' suggests a current, ongoing situation, making '今週' (this week) the most fitting temporal context.
The phrase 今週いっぱい (konshuu ippai) implies a task must be completed before the week ends.
今週いっぱい (konshuu ippai) means 'all week long' or 'throughout the week', indicating duration, not necessarily completion by a specific deadline within the week.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 今週 (konshuu) is essential for discussing current plans and events in Japanese.
- 今週 (konshuu) means 'this week'.
- It's a neutral term used in daily conversation and formal settings.
- Combine it with particles like は (wa) or に (ni) for correct grammar.
- Antonyms include 来週 (next week) and 先週 (last week).
Calendar Association
Keep a physical or digital calendar handy. When you learn '今週', circle the current week on your calendar and write '今週' next to it. Review it daily.
Plan Your Week in Japanese
Every Sunday evening or Monday morning, try writing down 2-3 things you plan to do '今週' (this week) in Japanese. This active usage solidifies the word.
Week Start Day
Be aware that while Monday is often the official start of the work week in Japan, Sunday is also commonly seen as the start of the week in calendars. Context is key!
Particle Power
Remember that temporal nouns like '今週' often pair with particles like 'は' (wa) when acting as the topic, or 'に' (ni) when indicating a specific point or duration within the week.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
