Time is a fundamental noun used to describe both points in time and the duration of activities.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the flow of time or a specific duration.
- Used to express both clock time and elapsed time.
- Essential vocabulary for daily scheduling and communication.
Overview
「じかん（時間）」は、物理的な時間の流れや、ある特定の活動にかかる長さを表す基本的な名詞です。日本語において、時計が示す「時刻」と、ある行為に費やす「期間」の両方をカバーする非常に汎用性の高い言葉です。2) Usage Patterns: この言葉は助詞「が」「を」「に」などと組み合わせて使われます。「時間がある（余裕がある）」「時間がない（忙しい）」「時間をかける（手間をかける）」といった慣用的な表現が非常に多く、生活に密着しています。3) Common Contexts: 約束の時間、仕事や勉強の長さ、移動にかかる時間など、日常のあらゆる場面で登場します。また、「何時（なんじ）」という疑問詞と混同しないよう注意が必要です。4) Similar Words comparison: 「時刻（じこく）」は時計が示す特定のポイントを指しますが、「時間」はより広い概念や期間を指すことが多いです。「期間（きかん）」は特定の始まりと終わりがある長さを指すため、より硬い表現となります。
Examples
時間がありません。
everydayI don't have time.
会議の時間を変更します。
formalI will change the meeting time.
ちょっと時間ある？
informalDo you have a moment?
この作業には多くの時間を要する。
academicThis task requires a lot of time.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
時間通り
On time
時間を潰す
To kill time
時間外
Outside working hours
Often Confused With
Refers to a specific point on the clock, whereas 'jikan' refers to the duration or the concept of time itself.
Refers to a specific, often longer, period with a defined start and end date, rather than general time.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Jikan is a versatile noun used in both formal and informal settings. It is essential for scheduling and discussing productivity. Be careful to distinguish it from 'toki' (moment/when) and 'jikoku' (clock time).
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'jikan' when they mean a specific point on the clock (e.g., saying '3-jikan' instead of '3-ji'). Also, confusing 'jikan' with 'toki' in sentences like 'When I was a child' is common.
Tips
Mastering the counter for hours
Remember that hours are counted using the suffix 'jikan'. Simply add the number before 'jikan' to indicate duration.
Don't confuse time with clock time
Use 'nan-ji' for clock time and 'nan-jikan' for duration. Mixing these up is a common error for beginners.
Punctuality in Japanese culture
Japanese culture places a high value on time. Being on time is expected, and 'jikan' is often used to discuss schedules.
Word Origin
Derived from the Sino-Japanese characters 時 (time) and 間 (interval). It historically represents the space between two points in time.
Cultural Context
Punctuality is a cornerstone of Japanese social etiquette. Using 'jikan' correctly in business and social contexts is vital for showing respect for others' time.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Jikan' as 'G-can' of time. You have a 'can' filled with time that you can spend or waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「時間」は長さや期間を指すのに対し、「時刻」は時計の針が示す特定のポイントを指します。例えば「10時に会う」は時刻、「10分間待つ」は時間です。
単に時間という概念を持っているという意味だけでなく、忙しくなく、何かをする余裕があるという状態を指します。
はい、会議や面談のために特定の時間枠を確保することを指します。ビジネスシーンで非常によく使われる表現です。
「1時間（いちじかん）」「2時間（にじかん）」のように、「数字＋時間」で数えます。
Test Yourself
映画を見るために、2___あります。
2時間の長さ（期間）を指すため「時間」が適切です。
「忙しい」と同じ意味で使われる表現はどれですか？
時間がないことは、余裕がない（忙しい）ことと同義です。
（かかります / どのくらい / 学校まで / 時間 / ）
移動にかかる時間を尋ねる標準的な語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
Time is a fundamental noun used to describe both points in time and the duration of activities.
- Refers to the flow of time or a specific duration.
- Used to express both clock time and elapsed time.
- Essential vocabulary for daily scheduling and communication.
Mastering the counter for hours
Remember that hours are counted using the suffix 'jikan'. Simply add the number before 'jikan' to indicate duration.
Don't confuse time with clock time
Use 'nan-ji' for clock time and 'nan-jikan' for duration. Mixing these up is a common error for beginners.
Punctuality in Japanese culture
Japanese culture places a high value on time. Being on time is expected, and 'jikan' is often used to discuss schedules.
Examples
4 of 4時間がありません。
I don't have time.
会議の時間を変更します。
I will change the meeting time.
ちょっと時間ある？
Do you have a moment?
この作業には多くの時間を要する。
This task requires a lot of time.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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.
