～時
This suffix is used after a number to tell us the time, like 'three o'clock'.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! '～時' (ji) is a very helpful Japanese word. It helps you say the time. When you say a number, like 'one', 'two', or 'three', and add '時' after it, you are telling someone what hour it is. For example, '1時' (ichi-ji) means 'one o'clock'. It's like saying '3 o'clock' in English. You can use it to talk about when you eat or play. It's easy to learn!
The Japanese suffix '～時' (ji) is used to specify the hour of the day. You simply attach it to a number. For example, '5時' (go-ji) means 'five o'clock'. This is fundamental for discussing schedules and daily routines. You'll often hear it in questions like '何時ですか？' (Nan-ji desu ka? - What time is it?). Understanding '～時' allows you to communicate basic time-related information effectively.
In Japanese, '～時' (ji) functions as a suffix to denote the hour. It's crucial for expressing specific times, such as '8時' (hachi-ji - 8 o'clock) or '11時' (juuichi-ji - 11 o'clock). When forming times, it's common to combine '～時' with '午前' (gozen - AM) or '午後' (gogo - PM) for clarity, like '午後2時' (gogo ni-ji - 2 PM). You'll also encounter '～時半' (～ji han) for half-hour increments, e.g., '4時半' (yo-ji han - 4:30).
The suffix '～時' (ji) is the standard Japanese morpheme for indicating hours. Its usage is consistent: it follows a numerical value representing the hour. Special attention should be paid to certain hours where pronunciation deviates from a simple concatenation, such as '4時' (yo-ji), '7時' (shichi-ji), and '9時' (ku-ji). Contextually, '～時' is often paired with temporal adverbs or markers like 'ちょうど' (choudo - exactly) or used in questions inquiring about time ('何時ですか？'). Understanding these nuances enhances fluency.
The Japanese suffix '～時' (ji) is the primary lexical item for denoting hours within a temporal framework. Its grammatical function is to modify a cardinal number, transforming it into an indicator of a specific hour. While seemingly simple, its application involves phonological adaptations for certain numbers (e.g., 'yo-ji', 'shichi-ji', 'ku-ji') and integration into more complex temporal expressions. It forms the backbone of time-telling, often appearing alongside '分' (fun/pun) for minutes, '秒' (byou) for seconds, and temporal prepositions or adverbs.
The character '時' (ji), when functioning as a suffix denoting hours, represents a core element of temporal lexicon in Japanese. Its etymological roots trace back to ancient Chinese pictograms related to timekeeping devices, underscoring its historical significance. The idiomatic usage, particularly the phonological variations for specific hours (e.g., 'yon-ji' vs. 'yo-ji'), reflects natural language evolution and memorization patterns. Beyond its literal function, '時' appears in compound words like '時給' (jikyuu - hourly wage) and '時差' (jisa - time difference), demonstrating its semantic breadth and cultural embedding in concepts of time management and global interaction.
Word in 30 Seconds
- ～時 (ji) is a suffix meaning 'o'clock'.
- It attaches directly to numbers to indicate the hour.
- Special pronunciations exist for 4時 (yo-ji), 7時 (shichi-ji), and 9時 (ku-ji).
- It's crucial for discussing schedules and daily routines.
Hey there! Let's talk about the super useful Japanese suffix '～時' (ji). It's like a little helper that attaches to numbers to tell us the time. When you see a number followed by '時', you know you're talking about a specific hour of the day. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of 'o'clock' in English. It's one of those building blocks that makes understanding and speaking Japanese so much easier!
So, how does it work? You take a number, like 'ichi' (one), 'ni' (two), 'san' (three), and so on, and add '時' to it. For example, '一時' (ichi-ji) means one o'clock, and '十時' (juu-ji) means ten o'clock. It’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. This suffix is essential for making plans, talking about your daily schedule, or just understanding when something is happening.
The character '時' (ji) itself has a long and fascinating history! It originally depicted a type of sundial or clockwork, showing its deep connection to the measurement of time. Over centuries, as different methods of timekeeping evolved, the character became the standard way to denote hours.
In Japanese, the adoption of Chinese characters (Kanji) brought '時' into the language. It was integrated seamlessly into the system of counting hours, much like how we use Arabic numerals and the word 'o'clock' in English. The pronunciation 'ji' is the native Japanese reading of this character when used in this specific context of time. It's a testament to how languages borrow and adapt concepts and characters to fit their own needs, creating a rich tapestry of linguistic history.
Using '～時' is super common and essential for daily life in Japan! You'll hear it constantly when people are discussing schedules, appointments, or just what time it is. The most basic usage is simply pairing it with a number: '1時', '2時', '3時', and so on, up to '12時' for a 12-hour cycle, or '24時' (nijyuu-yo-ji) for a full 24-hour clock.
You'll often see it combined with other time-related words. For instance, '午前' (gozen - AM) and '午後' (gogo - PM) are frequently used before the hour: '午前9時' (gozen ku-ji - 9 AM). You might also hear phrases like '何時ですか？' (Nan-ji desu ka? - What time is it?) or '～時半' (～ji han - half past ～ o'clock), like '3時半' (san-ji han - 3:30). Remember, when you're talking about specific minutes, you use a different suffix, '分' (fun/pun), so '3時15分' (san-ji juu-go-fun) is 3:15.
While '～時' is primarily a literal suffix for hours, the concept of time itself is rich with idiomatic expressions in Japanese. Here are a few related ideas:
- 時給 (jikyuu): This literally means 'time-wage' and refers to your hourly wage. It's very common in job-related contexts. Example: '時給は1000円です。' (Jikyuu wa sen-en desu. - The hourly wage is 1000 yen.)
- 時々 (tokidoki): This means 'sometimes' or 'occasionally'. It uses the character '時' but functions as an adverb. Example: '時々、映画を見に行きます。' (Tokidoki, eiga o mi ni ikimasu. - Sometimes, I go to see movies.)
- 時間 (jikan): This means 'time' in a broader sense (duration, period). While not a direct idiom with '～時', it's the root concept. Example: '時間がありません。' (Jikan ga arimasen. - I don't have time.)
- ～時～分 (～ji ～fun/pun): This is the standard way to state the exact time, combining hours and minutes. Example: '会議は10時30分からです。' (Kaigi wa juu-ji san-juppun kara desu. - The meeting is from 10:30.)
- ちょうど～時 (choudo ～ji): This means 'exactly ～ o'clock'. Example: 'ちょうど正午です。' (Choudo shougo desu. - It's exactly noon.)
The suffix '～時' (ji) is straightforward grammatically. It's always attached to a number to form the name of an hour. There are no plural forms for '～時' itself; you just state the number of the hour. For example, you wouldn't say 'three hours' using '時' in this way; you'd use '時間' (jikan) for duration.
Pronunciation is key! The 'j' sound is like the 'j' in 'judge', and the 'i' is a short, clear 'ee' sound. So, 'ji' rhymes with 'see' but starts with a 'j'. When combined with numbers, some pronunciation changes occur, especially with numbers ending in 'ichi' or 'hachi'. For instance, '4時' (yo-ji) and '7時' (shichi-ji) are common forms, rather than 'yon-ji' or 'nana-ji'. '9時' (ku-ji) is also a common pronunciation, instead of 'kyuu-ji'. This is just something to memorize!
Fun Fact
The character '時' is composed of '日' (sun/day) and '寺' (temple), possibly indicating that time was historically measured by observing the sun's position relative to temples or landmarks.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like the 'jee' in 'jeep'.
Sounds like the 'jee' in 'jeep'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ji' too softly, like 'shi'.
- Adding an extra vowel sound, making it 'jee-ee'.
- Not differentiating between 'yo-ji' (4 o'clock) and 'yon-ji'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using the particle に (ni) for time
私は３時に寝ます。(Watashi wa san-ji ni nemasu.) - I sleep at 3 o'clock.
Expressing 'around' a time with 頃 (goro)
５時頃に着きます。(Go-ji goro ni tsukimasu.) - I will arrive around 5 o'clock.
Using 半 (han) for half-hours
６時半です。(Roku-ji han desu.) - It is 6:30.
Examples by Level
いま、一時です。
now, one-hour is.
いま (ima) means 'now'.
二時におやつを食べます。
two-hour at snack eat.
にお (ni-o) marks time and object of action.
三時、公園に行こう！
three-hour, park go! (let's)
～ましょう (mashou) is used for suggestions.
これは四時です。
this is four-hour is.
よじ (yo-ji) is the correct pronunciation for 4 o'clock.
五時、おやすみなさい。
five-hour, good night.
おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai) is 'good night'.
六時、起きます。
six-hour, wake up.
～ます (masu) is the polite verb ending.
七時、学校へ行きます。
seven-hour, school to go.
へ (e) is a particle indicating direction.
八時、宿題をします。
eight-hour, homework do.
を (o) marks the direct object of the verb.
朝ごはんを食べるのは何時ですか？
morning meal eat is what-hour is?
～のは (no wa) nominalizes the preceding clause.
会議は午後一時からです。
meeting is PM one-hour from.
～からです (kara desu) indicates the starting time.
今、何時ですか？
now, what-hour is?
何時 (nanji) is the question word for 'what time'.
学校は九時に始まります。
school is nine-hour starts.
九時 (ku-ji) is the common pronunciation for 9 o'clock.
テレビ番組は十時に終わります。
TV program is ten-hour ends.
終わります (owarimasu) means 'to end'.
友達と六時に会います。
friend with six-hour meet.
と (to) means 'with' when referring to people.
電車は毎朝七時半に出発します。
train is every morning seven-hour-half departs.
～時半 (ji han) means 'half past ～ o'clock'.
寝るのはいつも夜の十一時です。
sleep is always night's eleven-hour is.
夜 (yoru) means 'night'.
明日の会議は何時に始まりますか？
tomorrow's meeting what-hour starts?
明日 (ashita) means 'tomorrow'.
この映画は夜の9時15分に始まります。
this movie is night's 9-hour 15-minute starts.
分 (fun/pun) is used for minutes.
昼食はだいたい12時頃に取ります。
lunch is approximately 12-hour around take.
頃 (goro) means 'around' or 'about' when used with time.
終電は何時ですか？
last train what-hour is?
終電 (shuuden) means 'last train'.
仕事が終わるのはだいたい6時です。
work finishes is approximately 6-hour is.
終わる (owaru) means 'to finish'.
朝の7時ちょうどに家を出ます。
morning's 7-hour exactly leave home.
ちょうど (choudo) means 'exactly'.
時給は1200円ですが、残業代は別途支給されます。
hourly-wage is 1200 yen but, overtime pay is separately paid.
時給 (jikyuu) is hourly wage.
待ち合わせは午後3時半です。遅れないようにしてください。
meeting is PM 3-hour-half is. don't be late please.
待ち合わせ (machiawase) means 'meeting' or 'appointment'.
時差があるので、ロンドンとの電話はいつも時間に注意が必要です。
time-difference because, London with phone call is always time on attention needed is.
時差 (jisa) means 'time difference'.
彼はいつも定時の17時に退社する。
he always fixed-time's 17-hour leaves-company.
定時 (teiji) means 'regular working hours'.
このプロジェクトは、当初の予定よりも3時間早く完了する見込みです。
this project is, initial plan than 3 hour early complete expect is.
This sentence uses 時間 (jikan) for duration, not ～時.
午前9時から午後5時まで、休憩は1時間です。
AM 9-hour from PM 5-hour until, break is 1-hour is.
This sentence uses 時間 (jikan) for duration.
時折、過去の記憶が鮮明に蘇ることがある。
occasionally, past memories clearly revive occur can.
時折 (tokiori) is a more formal synonym for 時々 (tokidoki - sometimes).
電車が遅延したため、予定時刻の10時半には到着できなかった。
train delayed because, scheduled time's 10-hour-half at arrive could not.
遅延 (chien) means 'delay'.
この時計は、正確な時刻を表示するだけでなく、アラーム機能も午前7時に設定されている。
this clock is, accurate time display not only, alarm function also AM 7-hour at set is.
This sentence combines literal time with alarm settings.
会議の開始時刻は14時ですが、参加者には10分前には着席するよう伝えてください。
meeting's start time is 14-hour but, participants to 10 minute before sit down please tell.
着席 (chakuseki) means 'to be seated'.
時あたかも流れるごとし、人生の儚さを痛感する。
time as if flows like, life's transience deeply feel.
時あたかも流れるごとし (toki atatomo nagareru gotoshi) is a literary expression meaning 'time flows as if it were...'
彼の遅刻癖は目に余るもので、約束の時間を守るという基本的な規範意識に欠けていると言わざるを得ない。
his lateness habit is beyond eyes is, promise's time keep basic norm awareness lacks is say cannot help but.
目に余る (me ni amaru) means 'unbearable' or 'too much to overlook'.
この歴史的建造物は、築き上げられた時代背景を今に伝え、訪れる人々にその時々の人々の息遣いを感じさせる。
this historical building is, built era background today conveys, visit people to that time's people's breath feel makes.
時々 (toki doki) here refers to 'times' or 'periods' in history.
時給換算では高額に見えるが、実際には長時間労働と精神的負担を考慮すると、割に合わないケースも少なくない。
hourly-wage conversion in high amount looks but, actually long-hour labor and mental burden consider, worth it not cases also not few.
割に合わない (wari ni awanai) means 'not worth it' or 'unprofitable'.
現代社会では、スマートフォンの普及により、いつでもどこでも正確な時刻を知ることが可能になった。
modern society in, smartphone's spread by, anytime anywhere accurate time know possible became.
普及 (fukyuu) means 'spread' or 'popularization'.
彼は、時計の針が午前零時を指す瞬間、まるで別人のように変貌を遂げるのだ。
he is, clock's hands AM zero-hour point moment, just like different person transforms undergoes is.
午前零時 (gozen reiji) is midnight.
その時代の文化的潮流は、後世に多大な影響を与え、現代に至るまで様々な形で息づいている。
that era's cultural trends are, later generations to great influence gave, modern times until various forms live on.
This sentence uses '時代' (jidai - era) and '時' in a broader sense.
時として、人間の理性だけでは説明のつかない現象に遭遇することがある。
at times, human reason only by explanation impossible phenomena encounter occur can.
時として (toki to shite) means 'at times' or 'sometimes'.
その古文書には、天文観測に基づいた精密な暦法が記されており、当時の人々がいかに時間を厳密に捉えていたかが窺える。
that ancient document in, astronomical observation based precise calendar system recorded is, that time's people how time strictly grasped was can be inferred.
暦法 (rekihou) refers to a system of calendar calculation.
彼の芸術は、刹那的な現代社会の喧騒の中で、永遠の時を刻むかのような静謐さを湛えている。
his art is, fleeting modern society's noise within, eternal time carves as if tranquility holds.
刹那的 (setsunateki) means 'momentary' or 'fleeting'.
歴史の歯車は時に不可解な力によって動かされるかのようで、個人の意志を超えた大きな流れが存在することを物語っている。
history's gears are sometimes incomprehensible force by moved as if, individual will beyond large currents exist is telling.
This uses '時' metaphorically within '歴史の歯車' (rekishi no haguruma - gears of history).
時流に乗ることも重要だが、時には立ち止まり、自らの内なる声に耳を傾ける勇気も求められる。
current trend ride also important but, sometimes stop, one's own inner voice listen courage also required.
時流 (jiryuu) means 'current trend' or 'the times'.
この時計職人の技は、単なる時刻表示を超え、時という概念そのものに対する深い洞察を体現している。
this watchmaker's skill is, mere time display beyond, time as concept itself towards deep insight embodies is.
This sentence plays on the dual meaning of 'time' as both a measure and a concept.
彼は、人生という限られた時間を最大限に活用するため、常に自己研鑽を怠らなかった。
he is, life called limited time maximum utilize for, always self-improvement neglected not.
This uses 時間 (jikan) to refer to the finite duration of life.
その地域の伝統行事は、時代を経てもなお、古き良き時代の記憶を呼び覚ますかのごとく、厳格に執り行われている。
that region's traditional events are, eras pass even still, old good times' memories awaken as if, strictly carried out are.
This uses '時代' (jidai - era) and implies the passage of time.
時として、最も単純な問いかけが、最も複雑な真理への扉を開く鍵となることがある。
at times, most simple question, most complex truth towards door opens key becomes occur can.
This is a philosophical statement using '時として' (toki to shite - at times).
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"時給 (jikyuu)"
Hourly wage.
このアルバイトは時給が高いです。
neutral"時々 (tokidoki)"
Sometimes, occasionally.
時々、運動します。
neutral"時間稼ぎ (jikan kasegi)"
Stalling for time, buying time.
彼は時間稼ぎのために、わざと質問に答えなかった。
neutral"時をかける (toki o kakeru)"
To travel through time.
その小説は、時をかける少女の話です。
literary/common in media"時機を逸する (jiki o issuru)"
To miss the right opportunity or timing.
チャンスを時機を逸してしまった。
formal"時と場合による (toki to baai ni yoru)"
It depends on the time and situation.
それは時と場合によると思います。
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to time and use the same Kanji character (時).
'時' (ji) is a suffix for specific hours (o'clock), while '時間' (jikan) refers to duration or a period of time.
3時 (san-ji) = 3 o'clock. 3時間 (san-jikan) = 3 hours.
It's the same character and pronunciation but used differently.
'時' (ji) is a suffix attached to numbers for hours. '時' (toki) is a noun meaning 'time' (as in 'when', 'moment', or 'occasion'), often used in phrases like 'その時' (sono toki - at that time).
3時 (san-ji) - 3 o'clock. その時 (sono toki) - at that time.
Both are used together to tell time.
'時' (ji) indicates the hour, while '分' (fun/pun) indicates the minutes. They are distinct parts of telling time.
5時10分 (go-ji juu-pun) - 5:10.
Also related to time and uses a similar Kanji.
'時' (ji) is the standard suffix for hours. '刻' (koku) is more literary or archaic, referring to a specific moment or period, often implying a more precise or significant point in time.
暁の刻 (akatsuki no koku) - dawn time (literary). 3時 (san-ji) - 3 o'clock (standard).
Sentence Patterns
Number + 時
五時です。(Go-ji desu.) - It is five o'clock.
午前/午後 + Number + 時
午前十一時です。(Gozen juuichi-ji desu.) - It is 11 AM.
Number + 時 + 半
七時半に会いましょう。(Shichi-ji han ni aimashou.) - Let's meet at 7:30.
Number + 時 + に + Verb
九時に起きます。(Ku-ji ni okimasu.) - I wake up at 9 o'clock.
何時 + ですか？
今、何時ですか？(Ima, nanji desu ka?) - What time is it now?
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
'時' (ji) specifies an hour (e.g., 3 o'clock), while '時間' (jikan) refers to a duration or period of time.
While numbers like 4 (yon) and 7 (nana) have standard readings, they change to 'yo' and 'shichi' respectively when followed by '時'. 9 is often 'ku' instead of 'kyuu'.
'時' is for hours, '分' is for minutes. '点' is rarely used for time itself but might appear in contexts like '10:10 AM'.
In a 12-hour context, simply saying '9時' could mean 9 AM or 9 PM. Using 午前 (gozen) and 午後 (gogo) is essential.
For counting general items, use standard counters. '時' is specifically for time.
Tips
Clock Face Practice
Draw a clock and label each hour with its Japanese reading (e.g., 1時 - ichi-ji, 4時 - yo-ji). Say them aloud repeatedly.
Listen for Time Cues
When watching Japanese dramas or listening to podcasts, pay close attention to how characters discuss time. Note the context and formality.
Punctuality is Key
Always aim to be on time or slightly early when meeting Japanese people. If you're going to be late, inform them as soon as possible.
Hour vs. Duration
Remember: '時' (ji) = hour (like 3 o'clock), '時間' (jikan) = duration (like 3 hours). Don't mix them up!
Master the Special Hours
Focus on the unique pronunciations: 4時 (yo-ji), 7時 (shichi-ji), 9時 (ku-ji). These are common and important!
Don't Forget AM/PM!
In many situations, especially when scheduling, explicitly state 午前 (gozen) or 午後 (gogo) to avoid confusion.
24-Hour Clock
Japan uses both 12-hour and 24-hour clocks. For the 24-hour clock, you simply say the number followed by 時 (e.g., 14時 - juu-yo-ji for 2 PM).
Use Your Phone's Clock
Set your phone's alarm or clock reminder in Japanese using '～時'. It's practical, daily practice!
Combining with Minutes
Practice forming full times: '3時15分' (san-ji juu-go-fun). Remember '分' (fun/pun) for minutes!
Particles Matter
When stating *when* an action happens, use the particle 'に' (ni) after the time: '8時に寝ます' (Hachi-ji ni nemasu - I sleep at 8 o'clock).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'ji' sounding like 'jee-p', and imagine a jeep driving exactly on the hour, like '3 jeep'.
Visual Association
Picture a clock face with the numbers 1 through 12, and imagine each number having a tiny 'ji' character attached to it.
Word Web
Challenge
Try writing down all the hours from 1 to 12 using '～時' and say them out loud.
Word Origin
Chinese (Kanji character 時)
Original meaning: The character originally depicted a sundial or clockwork mechanism, signifying the measurement of time.
Cultural Context
Being punctual is highly valued in Japanese culture. Arriving late without a valid reason can be considered disrespectful.
In English-speaking cultures, we use 'o'clock' after the number, or just the number in informal contexts (e.g., 'It's three'). Punctuality is generally valued.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Making Plans
- 何時に会いましょうか？ (Nanji ni aimashou ka?) - What time shall we meet?
- 明日は３時にお願いします。(Ashita wa san-ji ni onegaishimasu.) - Tomorrow, please at 3 o'clock.
- ５時半で大丈夫ですか？ (Go-ji han de daijoubu desu ka?) - Is 5:30 okay?
Daily Schedule
- 朝７時に起きます。(Asa shichi-ji ni okimasu.) - I wake up at 7 AM.
- 昼食は１２時頃です。(Chuushoku wa juuni-ji goro desu.) - Lunch is around 12 PM.
- 夜１１時に寝ます。(Yoru juuichi-ji ni nemasu.) - I go to bed at 11 PM.
Asking for Time
- すみません、今何時ですか？ (Sumimasen, ima nanji desu ka?) - Excuse me, what time is it now?
- 時計は合っていますか？ (Tokei wa atte imasu ka?) - Is the clock correct?
Public Transport/Announcements
- 電車は９時ちょうどに発車します。(Densha wa ku-ji choudo ni hassha shimasu.) - The train departs exactly at 9 o'clock.
- 開場は１０時からです。(Kaijou wa juu-ji kara desu.) - Doors open from 10 o'clock.
Conversation Starters
"What time do you usually wake up on the weekend?"
"If you could travel to any time period, when would you go?"
"What's your favorite time of day and why?"
"Do you prefer making plans for a specific time or being spontaneous?"
"What's the latest you've ever stayed up?"
"If you had an extra hour every day, what would you do with it?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your typical daily schedule using Japanese hours (e.g., 7時に起きます).
Write about a time you were late or early for an important event. What happened?
If you could invent a new time-related word or phrase in Japanese, what would it be and what would it mean?
Reflect on the importance of time in your culture. How is it viewed differently in Japan, if at all?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions～時 (ji) refers to a specific hour on the clock (e.g., 3 o'clock), while 時間 (jikan) refers to a duration or period of time (e.g., 3 hours).
It's often helpful to use 午前 (gozen) for AM and 午後 (gogo) for PM, especially if the context isn't clear. For example, 午前9時 (gozen ku-ji) is 9 AM, and 午後9時 (gogo ku-ji) is 9 PM.
Yes, some hours have unique pronunciations: 4時 is 'yo-ji', 7時 is 'shichi-ji', and 9時 is often 'ku-ji'.
You add '半' (han) after the hour. For example, 3時半 (san-ji han) means 3:30.
No, '時' is strictly for hours. Minutes are indicated using '分' (fun/pun).
Yes, punctuality is highly valued. It's considered disrespectful to be late without a good reason and prior notification.
'定時' (teiji) refers to the regular, scheduled time, often used in the context of finishing work or school.
You ask '何時ですか？' (Nanji desu ka?).
Test Yourself
The meeting starts at ___ o'clock.
In Japanese, '時' (ji) is added after the number to indicate 'o'clock'. So, 'three時' (san-ji) is correct.
Which Japanese phrase means 'What time is it?'
何時 (nanji) is the correct way to ask 'what time'.
The Japanese phrase '午前8時' (gozen hachi-ji) means 8 PM.
午前 (gozen) means AM, so '午前8時' means 8 AM.
Word
Meaning
This exercise helps reinforce the meaning of different hour expressions.
The correct sentence is '会議は10時から です。' (Kaigi wa juu-ji kara desu.) - The meeting is from 10 o'clock.
The train departs at ___.
Minutes are indicated by '分' (fun/pun), not '時' (ji) or '秒' (byou).
Which phrase means 'exactly noon'?
'ちょうど' (choudo) means 'exactly', and '正午' (shougo) means 'noon'.
In Japanese, '時' can be used to express duration like 'for 3 hours'.
Duration is expressed using '時間' (jikan), e.g., '3時間' (san-jikan).
The phrase '時差' refers to ______.
'時差' (jisa) specifically means 'time difference' between locations.
Create a sentence using '時折' (tokiori) and a time.
Example: 時折、昔の友人のことを思い出します。(Tokiori, mukashi no yuujin no koto o omoidashimasu.) - Occasionally, I think of my old friends.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering '～時' is your first step to confidently telling time and managing schedules in Japanese!
- ～時 (ji) is a suffix meaning 'o'clock'.
- It attaches directly to numbers to indicate the hour.
- Special pronunciations exist for 4時 (yo-ji), 7時 (shichi-ji), and 9時 (ku-ji).
- It's crucial for discussing schedules and daily routines.
Clock Face Practice
Draw a clock and label each hour with its Japanese reading (e.g., 1時 - ichi-ji, 4時 - yo-ji). Say them aloud repeatedly.
Listen for Time Cues
When watching Japanese dramas or listening to podcasts, pay close attention to how characters discuss time. Note the context and formality.
Punctuality is Key
Always aim to be on time or slightly early when meeting Japanese people. If you're going to be late, inform them as soon as possible.
Hour vs. Duration
Remember: '時' (ji) = hour (like 3 o'clock), '時間' (jikan) = duration (like 3 hours). Don't mix them up!
Example
5時に会いましょう。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
