Jikan (時間) is the fundamental Japanese word for 'time', used for durations, specific moments, and the abstract concept, crucial for all levels of communication.
じかん in 30 Seconds
- Jikan (時間) means time.
- Used for duration, specific times, and general concept.
- Essential for daily conversations in Japanese.
- Learn its use with numbers for hours.
In Japanese, じかん (jikan) is the primary word for 'time'. It's a very common and essential word that you'll hear and use constantly. Think of it as the equivalent of 'time' in English. People use じかん when they want to talk about:
- Abstract Concept of Time
- The general flow of existence, like 'time flies' or 'what is time?'.
- Specific Periods of Time
- Referring to a particular duration, like 'a long time' or 'a short time'.
- Schedules and Punctuality
- Discussing when something happens, how long it takes, or if you are on time.
- Asking or Telling the Time
- When you ask 'What time is it?' or state the current time.
- Duration of Activities
- How long a meeting lasts, how long you studied, or how long a movie is.
This is a very important word in Japanese, learn it well. じかん.
The kanji for じかん is 時間. The first character, 時 (toki), means 'hour' or 'time', and the second character, 間 (ma), means 'interval' or 'space'. Together, they form the word for time. You'll see this kanji used extensively in contexts related to scheduling, clocks, and temporal measurements.
Understanding じかん is crucial for basic communication in Japanese. Whether you're making plans, discussing your day, or simply trying to figure out when your train leaves, this word will be your constant companion.
How much じかん do you have?
- Time as a Resource
- In many cultures, time is viewed as a valuable resource. In Japan, punctuality is highly regarded, so being aware of じかん is important for social interactions and professional settings.
- The Passage of Time
- Japanese expressions often reflect a nuanced understanding of the passage of time, sometimes emphasizing its fleeting nature or the accumulated experience over time.
The word じかん (jikan) is incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of sentence structures. Here are some common patterns and examples:
- Asking for the Time
- The most common way to ask 'What time is it?' is 今何時ですか？ (Ima nanji desu ka?). While it uses 'ji' (時 - hour), じかん is also implicitly understood. For a more direct question using じかん, you might hear: このじかんは何ですか？ (Kono jikan wa nan desu ka?) which translates to 'What time is this?' or 'What is this time slot?'
- Stating the Time
- To state the time, you combine numbers with じ. For example, 3時 (sanji) means '3 o'clock'. When referring to a duration, you often use じかん: 3時間 (sanjikan) means '3 hours'.
- Referring to Duration
- You can use じかん with numbers to indicate how long something takes or lasts. For example: 一時間かかります (ichijikan kakarimasu) means 'It takes one hour'. 長いじかん (nagai jikan) means 'a long time'.
- Time as a Subject or Object
- じかん can be the subject or object of a sentence. じかんがあまりありません (jikan ga amari arimasen) means 'I don't have much time'. このじかんは大切です (kono jikan wa taisetsu desu) means 'This time is important'.
- Idiomatic Expressions
- じかん is part of many common expressions. For example, じかんがある (jikan ga aru) means 'to have time', and じかんがない (jikan ga nai) means 'to not have time'.
Let's spend more じかん together.
When using じかん with numbers, remember the following:
- Numbers 1-10 (with exceptions)
- Generally, you add じかん directly after the number: 一時間 (ichijikan), 二時間 (nijikan), 三時間 (sanjikan), 四時間 (yojikan), 五時間 (gojikan), 六時間 (rokujikan), 七時間 (shichijikan), 八時間 (hachijikan), 九時間 (kujikan), 十時間 (jūjikan).
- Numbers above 10
- For larger numbers, you use the number followed by じかん: 十一時間 (jūichijikan - 11 hours), 二十四時間 (nijūyojikan - 24 hours).
- Fractions and Decimals
- For half an hour, you might say 三十分 (sanjuppun - 30 minutes) or 半 (han) with the hour, e.g., 一時間半 (ichijikan han - one and a half hours). For more precise durations, numbers combined with 分 (fun/pun - minute) are used.
We don't have much じかん.
You'll encounter じかん (jikan) in virtually every aspect of daily life in Japan. Here's where you're most likely to hear it:
- Public Announcements
- In train stations, airports, and bus terminals, announcements about departure and arrival times frequently use じかん. For example, 'The next train will arrive in 5 minutes' might be phrased using じかん indirectly or directly when referring to the time until arrival.
- School and Work
- Discussions about class schedules, meeting durations, work hours, and deadlines all revolve around じかん. Teachers might say, 'You have 30 minutes for this test' (このテストは30分です - kono tesuto wa sanjuppun desu, here 'pun' is used for minutes, but the concept of duration is related to じかん), or colleagues might discuss project timelines.
- Conversations with Friends and Family
- Making plans is a prime example: 'Do you have time tomorrow?' (明日じかんがありますか？ - Ashita jikan ga arimasu ka?), 'Let's meet for an hour' (一時間会いましょう - Ichijikan aimashou). You'll also hear it when people talk about how long they spent doing something: 'I spent a lot of time studying' (たくさんじかんを勉強しました - Takusan jikan o benkyō shimashita).
- Media and Entertainment
- Movie and TV show durations are often mentioned using じかん. Advertisements might highlight 'limited time offers', and news reports will discuss events in terms of their duration or the time they occurred.
- Everyday Transactions
- When ordering food, a waiter might say, 'It will take about 15 minutes' (15分ぐらいかかります - jūgo fun gurai kakarimasu). In shops, sales might be advertised as 'limited-time offers'.
The movie is two hours long. That's a lot of じかん.
The concept of time is universal, and じかん is the Japanese key to discussing it. From the grand sweep of history to the fleeting moments of a conversation, じかん is always present.
While じかん (jikan) is a straightforward word, learners can sometimes make a few common mistakes. Being aware of these can help you avoid them:
- Confusing じかん (time/hours) with じ (o'clock)
- This is perhaps the most frequent error. 5時 (goji) means '5 o'clock', referring to a specific point in time on the clock. 5時間 (gojikan) means '5 hours', referring to a duration. Using them interchangeably will lead to misunderstandings. For example, saying 'I will arrive at 5 hours' (5時間着きます - gojikan tsukimasu) instead of 'I will arrive at 5 o'clock' (5時着きます - goji tsukimasu) would sound very strange.
- Overusing じかん for 'minute'
- While じかん is used for 'hours', the unit for 'minutes' is 分 (fun/pun). For example, '30 minutes' is 30分 (sanjuppun), not 30時間 (sanjuujikan). Using じかん for minutes is incorrect. You might say 'It takes a long time' (長いじかんがかかります - nagai jikan ga kakarimasu), but for specific short durations like minutes, 分 is the correct counter.
- Incorrectly using particles
- When じかん is the object of an action (like 'to spend time' or 'to have time'), the particle を (o) is often used. For example, じかんを過ごす (jikan o sugosu) means 'to spend time'. If じかん is the subject, the particle が (ga) or は (wa) is used, as in じかんがあります (jikan ga arimasu) 'there is time' or じかんは大切です (jikan wa taisetsu desu) 'time is important'.
- Literal translation from English
- In English, we say 'It's time to go' or 'It's time for dinner'. While you can sometimes use じかん, more natural Japanese expressions might be もう行く時間です (mou iku jikan desu) for 'It's time to go', or simply stating the time for dinner. Directly translating 'time' in every context might not always yield the most idiomatic Japanese.
- Pronunciation and Pitch Accent
- While not strictly a mistake in meaning, incorrect pronunciation or pitch accent can make the word harder to understand. Pay attention to the standard pronunciation and practice it.
I need more じかん to study for the test.
While じかん (jikan) is the most common word for 'time', Japanese has other words and expressions that relate to time or can be used in similar contexts, depending on the nuance:
- 時 (toki)
- 時 (toki) often refers to a specific point in time, a moment, or an occasion. It's also used in the compound word 時々 (tokidoki - sometimes). While じかん is 'time' in general or duration, 時 can be more like 'when' or 'the time when'. For example, その時 (sono toki) means 'that time' or 'at that moment'. 時が来た (toki ga kita) means 'the time has come'.
- 時刻 (jikoku)
- 時刻 (jikoku) specifically refers to the exact time on a clock, like a scheduled time. It's often used in official contexts like timetables or schedules. For example, 発車時刻 (hassha jikoku) means 'departure time'. It's more precise than じかん when referring to a clock reading.
- 時 (ji - hour)
- As mentioned, 時 (ji) is used with numbers to indicate 'o'clock'. For example, 午後3時 (gogo sanji) means '3 PM'. This is distinct from じかん which refers to a duration of hours.
- 期間 (kikan)
- 期間 (kikan) means 'period' or 'term'. It refers to a specific span of time, often with a defined beginning and end, like a school term or a contract period. For example, 研修期間 (kenshū kikan) means 'training period'. While じかん can refer to duration, 期間 often implies a more formally defined span.
- 暇 (hima)
- 暇 (hima) means 'free time', 'leisure time', or 'spare time'. It's used when you have no obligations or are not busy. For example, 暇な時 (hima na toki) means 'when I have free time'. This is different from じかん, which is simply 'time' in general.
- 機会 (kikai)
- 機会 (kikai) means 'opportunity' or 'chance'. While an opportunity often arises at a specific time, it's not directly about the measurement of time itself, but rather a favorable circumstance. For example, 良い機会 (yoi kikai) means 'a good opportunity'.
I have some じかん free this afternoon.
How Formal Is It?
"会議の終了時刻まで、十分な時間的余裕がございます。"
"この仕事には、だいたい３時間くらいかかります。"
"マジで時間ねーよ！"
"あと、どれくらいで遊べるじかんかな？"
"時間（じかん）ねえから、サクッとやろうぜ。"
Fun Fact
The kanji 間 (ma) is also used in Japanese to express 'space' or 'gap', which is why 'jikan' can sometimes feel like it's referring to a 'space' of time. This dual meaning of 'ma' is quite unique and contributes to the richness of the Japanese language.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'ji' too hard, like the English 'jee'. It should be softer.
- Adding an extra vowel sound after 'n', making it sound like 'jikana'.
- Incorrectly stressing the second syllable.
Difficulty Rating
The word 'jikan' itself is very common and easy to recognize in written Japanese, especially with its kanji. However, understanding its nuances in complex sentences or idiomatic expressions can increase the difficulty.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Counters for time (hours)
To say 'three hours', you say 三時間 (sanjikan). The counter changes slightly for certain numbers (e.g., 四時間 yojikan, 七時間 shichijikan, 九時間 kujikan).
Using particles with 時間
When 'jikan' is the object of an action, use 'o' (を). When it's the subject, use 'ga' (が) or 'wa' (は). Example: じかんを過ごす (spend time), じかんがあります (there is time).
Expressing 'o'clock' vs. 'hours'
5時 (goji) means 5 o'clock, whereas 5時間 (gojikan) means 5 hours. This distinction is crucial.
Using ～まで (made) for time limits
午後5時まで働きます。(Gogo goji made hatarakimasu.) - I work until 5 PM.
Using ～くらい (kurai) or ～ぐらい (gurai) for approximate time
一時間くらいかかります。(Ichijikan kurai kakarimasu.) - It takes about an hour.
Examples by Level
いま、じかんがありますか？
Do you have time now?
いま (ima) - now, じかん (jikan) - time, ありますか (arimasu ka) - do you have?
このじかんはながいです。
This time is long.
この (kono) - this, じかん (jikan) - time, は (wa) - topic particle, ながいです (nagai desu) - is long.
じかんがありません。
I don't have time.
じかん (jikan) - time, がありません (ga arimasen) - do not have.
いちじかんください。
Please give me one hour.
いちじかん (ichijikan) - one hour, ください (kudasai) - please give.
ごじです。
It is 5 o'clock.
ごじ (goji) - 5 o'clock. Note: 'ji' is used for 'o'clock'.
きょうは、じかんがあります。
Today, I have time.
きょう (kyō) - today, は (wa) - topic particle, じかん (jikan) - time, があります (ga arimasu) - there is/have.
じかんをむだにしないでください。
Please don't waste time.
じかん (jikan) - time, を (o) - object particle, むだにしないでください (mudani shinaide kudasai) - please don't waste.
あと、どのくらいじかんがかかりますか？
About how much more time will it take?
あと (ato) - after/remaining, どのくらい (dono kurai) - how much, じかん (jikan) - time, がかかりますか (ga kakarimasu ka) - will it take?
この会議は二時間かかります。
This meeting will take two hours.
この (kono) - this, 会議 (kaigi) - meeting, は (wa) - topic particle, 二時間 (nijikan) - two hours, かかります (kakarimasu) - takes (time/money).
毎朝、一時間勉強します。
Every morning, I study for one hour.
毎朝 (maiasa) - every morning, 一時間 (ichijikan) - one hour, 勉強します (benkyō shimasu) - study.
もっとじかんがあれば、旅行に行きたいです。
If I had more time, I would want to go on a trip.
もっと (motto) - more, じかん (jikan) - time, があれば (ga areba) - if there is, 旅行 (ryokō) - trip, に行きたいです (ni ikitai desu) - want to go.
今、十分なじかんがあります。
Now, I have enough time.
今 (ima) - now, 十分な (jūbun na) - enough, じかん (jikan) - time, があります (ga arimasu) - there is/have.
映画のじかんは何時ですか？
What time is the movie?
映画 (eiga) - movie, の (no) - possessive particle, じかん (jikan) - time, は (wa) - topic particle, 何時ですか (nanji desu ka) - what time is it?
その仕事には多くのじかんが必要です。
That job requires a lot of time.
その (sono) - that, 仕事 (shigoto) - job, には (ni wa) - for/regarding, 多くの (ōku no) - many/much, じかん (jikan) - time, が必要です (ga hitsuyō desu) - is necessary.
放課後のじかんを友達と過ごしました。
I spent time after school with friends.
放課後 (hōkago) - after school, の (no) - possessive particle, じかん (jikan) - time, を (o) - object particle, 友達 (tomodachi) - friends, と (to) - with, 過ごしました (sugoshimashita) - spent.
あと五分じかんをください。
Please give me five more minutes.
あと (ato) - remaining/more, 五分 (gofun) - five minutes, じかん (jikan) - time, をください (o kudasai) - please give me.
このプロジェクトを完了するには、かなりのじかんがかかるだろう。
Completing this project will likely take a considerable amount of time.
この (kono) - this, プロジェクト (purojekuto) - project, を (o) - object particle, 完了する (kanryō suru) - to complete, には (ni wa) - in order to, かなりの (kanari no) - considerable, じかん (jikan) - time, がかかる (ga kakaru) - takes, だろう (darō) - probably/will likely.
昔は、今ほどじかんの使い方が効率的ではなかった。
In the past, time management was not as efficient as it is now.
昔は (mukashi wa) - in the past, 今ほど (ima hodo) - as much as now, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 使い方 (tsukaikata) - way of using, は (wa) - topic particle, 効率的ではなかった (kōritsuteki de wa nakatta) - was not efficient.
彼女はいつもじかんぎりぎりで、心配になる。
She is always cutting it close with time, which makes me worried.
彼女は (kanojo wa) - she, いつも (itsumo) - always, じかんぎりぎり (jikan girigiri) - cutting it close with time, で (de) - particle indicating state, 心配になる (shinpai ni naru) - become worried.
じかんがあっという間に過ぎていくのを感じる。
I feel that time passes in the blink of an eye.
じかん (jikan) - time, が (ga) - subject particle, あっという間に (atto iu ma ni) - in the blink of an eye, 過ぎていく (sugite iku) - passes, のを感じる (no o kanjiru) - feel that.
そのイベントは三日間のじかんを要しました。
That event required three days' time.
その (sono) - that, イベント (ibento) - event, は (wa) - topic particle, 三日間 (mikkakan) - three days, の (no) - possessive particle, じかん (jikan) - time, を要しました (o yō shimashita) - required.
じかんの制約があるため、すべてを網羅することはできません。
Due to time constraints, we cannot cover everything.
じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 制約 (seiyaku) - constraint/restriction, があるため (ga aru tame) - due to, すべてを (subete o) - everything, 網羅する (mōra suru) - to cover/encompass, ことはできません (koto wa dekimasen) - cannot do.
人生のじかんを大切に過ごしたい。
I want to spend my time in life preciously.
人生 (jinsei) - life, の (no) - possessive particle, じかん (jikan) - time, を (o) - object particle, 大切に (taisetsu ni) - preciously, 過ごしたい (sugoshitai) - want to spend.
彼が到着するまで、あとわずかなじかんしか残っていません。
There is only a little time left until he arrives.
彼が (kare ga) - he, 到着する (tōchaku suru) - to arrive, まで (made) - until, あと (ato) - remaining, わずかな (wazukana) - slight/little, じかん (jikan) - time, しか (shika) - only, 残っていません (nokotte imasen) - is not remaining.
現代社会では、じかんは金銭以上に貴重なものと見なされることがある。
In modern society, time is sometimes considered more valuable than money.
現代社会 (gendai shakai) - modern society, では (dewa) - in, じかん (jikan) - time, は (wa) - topic particle, 金銭 (kinsen) - money, 以上に (ijō ni) - more than, 貴重なもの (kichō na mono) - valuable thing, と見なされる (to minasareru) - is considered, ことがある (koto ga aru) - sometimes.
彼の話はいつも長くて、じかんがかかりすぎる。
His stories are always long and take too much time.
彼の (kare no) - his, 話 (hanashi) - story/talk, は (wa) - topic particle, いつも (itsumo) - always, 長くて (nagakute) - long (and), じかん (jikan) - time, がかかりすぎる (ga kakaritsugiru) - takes too much.
じかんの経過とともに、人々の価値観も変化していく。
As time passes, people's values also change.
じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 経過 (keika) - passage, とともに (to tomo ni) - along with, 人々 (hitobito) - people, の (no) - possessive particle, 価値観 (kachikan) - values, も (mo) - also, 変化していく (henka shite iku) - change and continue to.
この状況では、じかんを無駄にする余裕はありません。
In this situation, there is no room for wasting time.
この (kono) - this, 状況 (jōkyō) - situation, では (dewa) - in, じかん (jikan) - time, を (o) - object particle, 無駄にする (muda ni suru) - to waste, 余裕 (yoyū) - room/leeway, はありません (wa arimasen) - there is not.
締切までじかんがあまりないので、急いで作業しなければならない。
Since there isn't much time until the deadline, I must work quickly.
締切 (shimekiri) - deadline, まで (made) - until, じかん (jikan) - time, が (ga) - subject particle, あまりないので (amari nai node) - because there isn't much, 急いで (isoide) - hurry up, 作業しなければならない (sagyō shinakereba naranai) - must work.
彼はじかんを有効活用する方法を常に模索している。
He is always seeking ways to effectively utilize his time.
彼は (kare wa) - he, じかん (jikan) - time, を (o) - object particle, 有効活用する (yūkō katsuyō suru) - to utilize effectively, 方法 (hōhō) - method/way, を (o) - object particle, 常に (tsune ni) - always, 模索している (mosaku shite iru) - is searching for.
過去のじかんを振り返り、将来の計画を立てる。
Looking back on past time, I make plans for the future.
過去 (kako) - past, の (no) - possessive particle, じかん (jikan) - time, を (o) - object particle, 振り返り (furikaeri) - looking back, 将来 (shōrai) - future, の (no) - possessive particle, 計画を立てる (keikaku o tateru) - make plans.
じかんは有限であるという認識が、人生の重要性を浮き彫りにする。
The recognition that time is finite highlights the importance of life.
じかん (jikan) - time, は (wa) - topic particle, 有限である (yūgen de aru) - is finite, という (to iu) - that, 認識 (ninshiki) - recognition, が (ga) - subject particle, 人生 (jinsei) - life, の (no) - possessive particle, 重要性 (jūyōsei) - importance, を (o) - object particle, 浮き彫りにする (ukibori ni suru) - highlights/makes clear.
現代のテクノロジーは、じかんの制約を超越する可能性を秘めている。
Modern technology holds the potential to transcend the limitations of time.
現代の (gendai no) - modern, テクノロジー (tekunorojī) - technology, は (wa) - topic particle, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 制約 (seiyaku) - limitations, を (o) - object particle, 超越する (chōetsu suru) - to transcend, 可能性 (kanōsei) - potential, を秘めている (o himete iru) - holds/contains.
過去の出来事をじかん軸上で客観的に分析することは、歴史学の根幹をなす。
Objectively analyzing past events on the timeline is fundamental to the study of history.
過去の (kako no) - past, 出来事 (dekigoto) - events, を (o) - object particle, じかん軸上 (jikangu jikujō) - on the timeline, で (de) - particle indicating location/means, 客観的に (kyakkanteki ni) - objectively, 分析する (bunseki suru) - to analyze, こと (koto) - nominalizer, は (wa) - topic particle, 歴史学 (rekishigaku) - history, の (no) - possessive particle, 根幹をなす (konkan o nasu) - forms the core/is fundamental.
彼は、じかんという概念そのものに深い哲学的な関心を抱いている。
He harbors a deep philosophical interest in the very concept of time itself.
彼は (kare wa) - he, じかん (jikan) - time, という (to iu) - that, 概念 (gainen) - concept, そのもの (sono mono) - itself, に (ni) - particle indicating target, 深い (fukai) - deep, 哲学的な (tetsugakuteki na) - philosophical, 関心 (kanshin) - interest, を抱いている (o idakite iru) - harbors/holds.
じかんの有限性を受け入れることは、より充実した人生を送るための第一歩である。
Accepting the finitude of time is the first step towards living a more fulfilling life.
じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 有限性 (yūgensei) - finitude, を (o) - object particle, 受け入れる (ukeireru) - to accept, こと (koto) - nominalizer, は (wa) - topic particle, より (yori) - more, 充実した (jūjitsu shita) - fulfilling, 人生 (jinsei) - life, を (o) - object particle, 送る (okuru) - to live/lead, ための (tame no) - for the purpose of, 第一歩 (daiippo) - first step, である (de aru) - is.
現代社会におけるじかんの消費は、しばしば表面的な充足感をもたらすに過ぎない。
The consumption of time in modern society often brings only superficial satisfaction.
現代社会 (gendai shakai) - modern society, における (ni okeru) - in/at, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 消費 (shōhi) - consumption, は (wa) - topic particle, しばしば (shibashiba) - often, 表面的な (hyōmenteki na) - superficial, 充足感 (jūsokukan) - satisfaction, をもたらす (o motarasu) - brings, に過ぎない (ni suginai) - nothing more than/only.
過去のじかんの重みと未来への展望が、現在の行動を規定する。
The weight of past time and the outlook towards the future dictate present actions.
過去の (kako no) - past, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 重み (omomi) - weight/significance, と (to) - and, 未来への (mirai e no) - towards the future, 展望 (tenbō) - outlook/prospect, が (ga) - subject particle, 現在の (genzai no) - present, 行動 (kōdō) - actions, を (o) - object particle, 規定する (kitei suru) - to dictate/define.
人々のじかん感覚は、文化や個人的経験によって大きく左右される。
People's sense of time is greatly influenced by culture and personal experience.
人々 (hitobito) - people, の (no) - possessive particle, じかん感覚 (jikankaku) - sense of time, は (wa) - topic particle, 文化 (bunka) - culture, や (ya) - and (non-exhaustive), 個人的 (kojinteki) - personal, 経験 (keiken) - experience, によって (ni yotte) - by/due to, 大きく (ōkiku) - greatly, 左右される (sayū sareru) - is influenced/affected.
じかんを効率的に管理することは、現代人にとって不可欠なスキルである。
Efficiently managing time is an indispensable skill for modern people.
じかん (jikan) - time, を (o) - object particle, 効率的に (kōritsuteki ni) - efficiently, 管理する (kanri suru) - to manage, こと (koto) - nominalizer, は (wa) - topic particle, 現代人 (gendaijin) - modern people, にとって (ni totte) - for, 不可欠な (fukaketsu na) - indispensable, スキル (sukiru) - skill, である (de aru) - is.
相対性理論によれば、じかんは絶対的なものではなく、観測者の運動状態によって歪む。
According to the theory of relativity, time is not absolute but is warped by the observer's state of motion.
相対性理論 (sōtaisei riron) - theory of relativity, によれば (ni yoreba) - according to, じかん (jikan) - time, は (wa) - topic particle, 絶対的なもの (zettaiteki na mono) - absolute thing, ではなく (de wa naku) - not, 観測者 (kansokusha) - observer, の (no) - possessive particle, 運動状態 (undō jōtai) - state of motion, によって (ni yotte) - by, 歪む (yugamu) - is warped/distorted.
哲学における「じかん」の探求は、存在論的、認識論的な問いに深く根差している。
The exploration of 'time' in philosophy is deeply rooted in ontological and epistemological questions.
哲学 (tetsugaku) - philosophy, における (ni okeru) - in, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 探求 (tankyū) - exploration/quest, は (wa) - topic particle, 存在論的な (sonzaironteki na) - ontological, 認識論的な (ninshikironteki na) - epistemological, 問い (toi) - questions, に (ni) - particle indicating target, 深く (fukaku) - deeply, 根差している (nesashite iru) - is rooted.
量子力学の観点からは、じかんの連続性は必ずしも保証されない。
From the perspective of quantum mechanics, the continuity of time is not necessarily guaranteed.
量子力学 (ryōshi rikigaku) - quantum mechanics, の (no) - possessive particle, 観点 (kanten) - perspective, からは (kara wa) - from, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 連続性 (renzokusei) - continuity, は (wa) - topic particle, 必ずしも (kanarazushimo) - not necessarily, 保証されない (hoshō sarenai) - is not guaranteed.
文学作品において、じかんの非線形的な描写は、読者の体験を豊かにする。
In literary works, the non-linear depiction of time enriches the reader's experience.
文学作品 (bungaku sakuhin) - literary works, において (ni oite) - in, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 非線形的な (hisenkei teki na) - non-linear, 描写 (byōsha) - depiction, は (wa) - topic particle, 読者 (dokusha) - reader, の (no) - possessive particle, 体験 (taiken) - experience, を (o) - object particle, 豊かにする (yutaka ni suru) - enriches.
歴史的文脈における「じかん」の概念は、現代とは大きく異なりうる。
The concept of 'time' in a historical context can differ greatly from the present.
歴史的 (rekishiteki) - historical, 文脈 (bunmyaku) - context, における (ni okeru) - in, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 概念 (gainen) - concept, は (wa) - topic particle, 現代 (gendai) - present, とは (to wa) - compared to, 大きく (ōkiku) - greatly, 異なりうる (kotonari uru) - can differ.
人間の認知能力は、じかんの流転をどのように知覚し、解釈するかに深く関わっている。
Human cognitive abilities are deeply involved in how we perceive and interpret the flow of time.
人間 (ningen) - human, の (no) - possessive particle, 認知能力 (ninchi nōryoku) - cognitive abilities, は (wa) - topic particle, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 流転 (rūten) - flow/flux, を (o) - object particle, どのように (dono yō ni) - how, 知覚し (chikaku shi) - perceive, 解釈する (kaishaku suru) - interpret, かに (ka ni) - particle indicating the scope of the verb, 深く (fukaku) - deeply, 関わっている (kakawatte iru) - is involved.
芸術表現における「じかん」の操作は、鑑賞者の感情に多大な影響を与える。
The manipulation of 'time' in artistic expression has a profound impact on the viewer's emotions.
芸術表現 (geijutsu hyōgen) - artistic expression, における (ni okeru) - in, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 操作 (sōsa) - manipulation, は (wa) - topic particle, 鑑賞者 (kanshōsha) - viewer, の (no) - possessive particle, 感情 (kanjō) - emotions, に (ni) - particle indicating target, 多大な (tadai na) - profound/immense, 影響を与える (eikyō o ataeru) - to have an impact.
宇宙論的スケールでは、じかんの概念自体が、我々の日常的な理解を超越する。
On a cosmological scale, the very concept of time transcends our everyday understanding.
宇宙論的 (uchūrontteki) - cosmological, スケール (sukēru) - scale, では (dewa) - on, じかん (jikan) - time, の (no) - possessive particle, 概念自体 (gainen jitai) - concept itself, が (ga) - subject particle, 我々 (wareware) - we/us, の (no) - possessive particle, 日常的な (nichijōteki na) - everyday, 理解 (rikai) - understanding, を (o) - object particle, 超越する (chōetsu suru) - transcends.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To use time effectively.
時間を有効に使いましょう。(Jikan o yūkō ni tsukaimashō.)
— Time passes in the blink of an eye.
楽しい時間はあっという間に過ぎますね。(Tanoshī jikan wa atto iu ma ni sugimasu ne.)
— To wait for the right time.
今はまだ時（じかん）を待つべきです。(Ima wa mada jikan o matsu beki desu.)
Often Confused With
While both relate to time, 'jikan' usually refers to duration or the general concept of time, whereas 'toki' often refers to a specific point in time or a moment. For example, 'sono toki' (その時) means 'at that moment'.
This is the reading of the kanji 時 when used with numbers to indicate 'o'clock'. For example, 5時 (goji) is 5 o'clock, which is different from 5時間 (gojikan), meaning 5 hours.
The kanji 'ma' is part of 'jikan' and means 'interval' or 'space'. However, 'ma' itself can also refer to a short pause or a space between things, which is related but distinct from the broader concept of 'jikan'.
Idioms & Expressions
— The time has come. This idiom uses 'toki' but is closely related to the concept of 'jikan' arriving.
ついに、その時が来た！
Neutral— To time travel. Literally 'to leap through time'.
SF映画で時をかける少女を見た。
Neutral— To forget about time; to be engrossed in something.
趣味に没頭して時を忘れた。
Neutral— Suitable at any time and place; universal.
この歌は時と場所を選ばない名曲だ。
Neutral— Just at that very moment; precisely at that time.
時あたかも、彼は部屋に入ってきた。
Literary/FormalEasily Confused
Both refer to time, but 'jikoku' is more specific.
'Jikoku' specifically refers to the exact time on a clock or a scheduled time, like a departure time. 'Jikan' is more general and can refer to the duration, the abstract concept of time, or a period of time.
電車の発車時刻は午前9時です。(Densha no hassha jikoku wa gozen kuji desu.) - The train's departure time is 9 AM. (Specific clock time). この会議は2時間かかります。(Kono kaigi wa ni jikan kakarimasu.) - This meeting takes 2 hours. (Duration).
Both relate to a span of time.
'Kikan' refers to a defined period or term, often with a clear beginning and end, like a contract period or a season. 'Jikan' is more about the general duration or passage of time. You might have a 'kikan' of work, and within that 'kikan', you spend many 'jikan' working.
この契約は1年間（いちねんかん）の期間です。(Kono keiyaku wa ichinenkan no kikan desu.) - This contract is for a period of one year. その期間、毎日8時間（はちじかん）働きました。(Sono kikan, mainichi hachijikan hatarakimashita.) - During that period, I worked 8 hours every day.
Both relate to having time, but with different implications.
'Hima' specifically means 'free time' or 'leisure time' when one is not busy or has no obligations. 'Jikan' is simply 'time' in general, which could be busy or free. You can have 'jikan' but not 'hima' if you are occupied.
今日は時間がたくさんあります。(Kyō wa jikan ga takusan arimasu.) - I have a lot of time today. (General availability). 暇な時、何をしますか？(Hima na toki, nani o shimasu ka?) - What do you do when you have free time? (Leisure time).
Both relate to time and share the same kanji in some contexts.
'Jikan' generally refers to duration or the abstract concept of time. 'Toki' often refers to a specific moment, point in time, or occasion. For example, 'sono toki' (その時) means 'at that time' or 'that moment'.
その時、彼は何も言わなかった。(Sono toki, kare wa nani mo iwanakatta.) - At that time, he said nothing. 彼が来るまで3時間待った。(Kare ga kuru made sanjikan matta.) - I waited 3 hours until he came.
Both are readings of the kanji 時 and are used with numbers.
'Ji' is used with numbers to indicate 'o'clock' (a specific point on the clock). 'Jikan' is used with numbers to indicate a duration of 'hours'.
会議は午後2時からです。(Kaigi wa gogo ni-ji kara desu.) - The meeting is from 2 PM. (Specific time). 会議は2時間かかります。(Kaigi wa ni jikan kakarimasu.) - The meeting takes 2 hours. (Duration).
Sentence Patterns
いま、じかんがありますか？
いま、じかんがありますか？
いちじかんです。
いちじかんです。
～時間かかります。
この本を読むのに、三時間かかります。
～時間勉強します。
毎日、二時間勉強します。
～時間あれば、～したいです。
もし時間（じかん）があれば、映画を見たいです。
時間がなくて、～できませんでした。
時間がなくて、約束の時間に遅れました。
～時間の制約があるため、～。
時間の制約があるため、すべての質問に答えられませんでした。
～時間は、～にとって～である。
現代社会において、時間は金銭以上に貴重なものである。
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely High. One of the most frequently used nouns in Japanese.
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Confusing 'ji' (o'clock) with 'jikan' (hours).
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5時 (goji) is 5 o'clock. 5時間 (gojikan) is 5 hours.
This is a very common error for beginners. 'Ji' is used for specific clock times, while 'jikan' refers to a duration of hours. Using them interchangeably will lead to misunderstandings, such as saying 'I will arrive at 5 hours' instead of 'I will arrive at 5 o'clock'.
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Using 'jikan' for minutes.
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Use 'fun' or 'pun' for minutes. For example, 30分 (sanjuppun) is 30 minutes.
While 'jikan' means hours, the unit for minutes is different. Saying '30 jikan' for 30 minutes is incorrect. Remember that 'fun' or 'pun' is the correct counter for minutes.
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Incorrect particle usage with 'jikan'.
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Use 'ga' or 'wa' when 'jikan' is the subject (e.g., 'jikan ga arimasu' - there is time). Use 'o' when 'jikan' is the object of an action (e.g., 'jikan o sugosu' - to spend time).
Particles are essential in Japanese. Misusing them can change the meaning. For instance, 'jikan ga nai' means 'there is no time', while 'jikan o muda ni suru' means 'to waste time'.
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Literal translation from English phrases.
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Use natural Japanese expressions. For 'It's time to go', use 'Mou iku jikan desu' or similar.
Directly translating English phrases like 'It's time for...' can sometimes sound unnatural. While 'jikan' is involved, the grammatical structure or specific vocabulary might differ. For example, 'It's time to go' is often expressed as もう行く時間です (Mou iku jikan desu).
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Overlooking the nuances between 'jikan', 'toki', and 'jikoku'.
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Use 'jikan' for duration/general time, 'toki' for specific moments/occasions, and 'jikoku' for exact clock times/schedules.
These words all relate to time but have distinct uses. 'Jikan' is broad, 'toki' is more about 'when', and 'jikoku' is about the precise clock reading. Misusing them can cause confusion in scheduling or recounting events.
Tips
Mastering the 'Ji' Sound
The 'ji' sound in 'jikan' is softer than the English 'j'. Try to place your tongue slightly further forward in your mouth, almost between your teeth, and make a voiced 'zh' sound. Practice saying 'ji-kan' slowly and clearly, focusing on this initial sound.
Distinguishing Hours vs. O'clock
This is critical! Remember that 'ji' (時) with numbers means 'o'clock' (e.g., 3時 - sanji, 3 o'clock), while 'jikan' (時間) with numbers means 'hours' (e.g., 3時間 - sanjikan, 3 hours). Always check the context to know which one is being used.
Use It in Sentences Daily
Make it a habit to use 'jikan' in your practice sentences every day. Describe how long things take, when you have free time, or what time it is. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Connect with Numbers
Learn how numbers combine with 'jikan' to form durations (e.g., 一時間, 二時間). This direct association will help you quickly recall and use these common phrases.
Punctuality Matters
In Japan, punctuality is highly valued. Understanding and correctly using 'jikan' in discussions about schedules and appointments is not just a linguistic skill but also a social one. Be mindful of how time is discussed in Japanese culture.
Listen Actively
When watching Japanese dramas, anime, or listening to podcasts, actively listen for the word 'jikan'. Try to identify its meaning based on the context and how it's used in relation to other words and numbers.
Read Japanese Texts
Read simple Japanese stories, manga, or news articles. Look for 'jikan' and try to understand its role in the sentence. This will expose you to various contexts and sentence structures.
Role-Playing Scenarios
Practice role-playing common scenarios like making plans with a friend, asking for the time, or discussing how long a task takes. This will help you internalize the usage of 'jikan' in practical situations.
Learn Related Time Words
Once you're comfortable with 'jikan', start learning related words like 分 (fun/pun - minute), 時 (ji - o'clock), 曜日 (yōbi - day of the week), and 年 (nen - year). This will build a comprehensive understanding of how time is expressed in Japanese.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a clock (じ) with a gap (かん) in its numbers. This gap represents the 'time' that has passed or is yet to come. The clock itself is 'ji', and the gap is 'kan'. So, 'ji-kan' is the time represented by this clock with a gap.
Visual Association
Picture an hourglass with sand flowing through a narrow 'kan' (gap) in the middle, representing the continuous passage of 'ji' (time). The sand falling symbolizes the moments slipping away.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your daily routine using the word 'jikan' for each activity's duration. For example, 'I wake up at 7 AM, and I spend one hour (ichijikan) getting ready.'
Word Origin
The word じかん (jikan) is composed of two kanji: 時 (toki) meaning 'hour', 'time', or 'season', and 間 (ma) meaning 'interval', 'space', or 'between'. The combination literally means 'time interval' or 'time space'.
Original meaning: The character 時 itself has roots related to 'time' and 'season', while 間 signifies a gap or a period between things.
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)Cultural Context
Discussions about time, especially regarding deadlines or lateness, should be handled with politeness and consideration in Japan. Direct criticism about someone's time management might be perceived negatively.
In English-speaking cultures, while punctuality is appreciated, there can be more flexibility in some social contexts compared to Japan. The phrase 'time is money' is common, highlighting its economic value.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Making appointments or discussing schedules.
- いつがお時間（じかん）がありますか？
- この日時は都合がいいですか？
- 何時にお会いしましょうか？
- 予約は何時ですか？
Talking about the duration of an event or activity.
- どれくらい時間がかかりますか？
- この作業には時間がかかります。
- 一時間で終わります。
- 時間が足りません。
Asking for and telling the time.
- 今、何時ですか？
- 時計が壊れました。
- もうすぐ時間です。
- 時間通りに来てください。
Discussing free time or lack thereof.
- 時間がたくさんあります。
- 時間がありません。
- 暇な時間がありますか？
- 時間を無駄にしたくない。
Reflecting on the passage of time.
- 時間が経つのは早いですね。
- 昔は時間がゆっくり流れていた気がします。
- 時の流れを感じます。
- あっという間に時間が過ぎました。
Conversation Starters
"What did you do with your time today?"
"Do you have enough time for your hobbies?"
"How much time do you usually spend commuting?"
"What's the longest you've ever waited for something?"
"Do you feel like time is passing faster as you get older?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time when you felt you had too much time on your hands. What did you do?
Write about a situation where you were short on time. How did you manage?
Reflect on how your perception of time has changed throughout your life.
If you could have an extra hour every day, how would you use that time?
Describe a memorable event and how much time it took to prepare for or recover from.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe main difference is their usage. 時 (ji) is used with numbers to tell 'o'clock' (e.g., 5時 - goji, 5 o'clock). じかん (jikan) is used to express durations, such as 'hours' (e.g., 5時間 - gojikan, 5 hours), or the general concept of time. It's crucial to distinguish between these to avoid misunderstandings.
Half an hour is typically expressed as 30分 (sanjuppun). If you want to say 'one and a half hours', you would say 一時間半 (ichijikan han). The counter 'fun/pun' is used for minutes.
The most common and natural way to ask 'What time is it?' is 今何時ですか？ (Ima nanji desu ka?). While 'jikan' is the word for time, 'ji' is specifically used for 'o'clock' in this context. However, understanding 'jikan' is essential to grasp the concept of time being asked about.
In formal writing, such as business documents, news articles, or academic texts, the kanji 時間 is generally preferred for clarity and a more formal tone. In casual writing, personal messages, or everyday speech, hiragana じかん is perfectly acceptable and very common.
'Jikan ga nai' (時間が無い) literally means 'time does not exist' or 'there is no time'. It is the common way to say 'I don't have time' or 'I'm in a hurry'. It implies a lack of available time for a task or event.
The phrase 'to spend time' is typically expressed as 時間を過ごす (jikan o sugosu). For example, 'I spent time with my friends' would be 友達と時間を過ごしました (Tomodachi to jikan o sugoshimashita).
In its abstract sense, 'jikan' is uncountable, like 'time' in English. However, when referring to specific durations like 'hours', it becomes countable, and you use numbers with the counter 'jikan'. For example, 'three hours' is 三時間 (sanjikan).
'Jikan' usually refers to duration or the general concept of time (like 'how much time'). 'Toki' often refers to a specific point in time, a moment, or an occasion (like 'when something happened'). For example, 'Sono toki' (その時) means 'at that time' or 'at that moment'.
Yes, 'jikan' is used extensively for future plans. For example, 'Ashita wa jikan ga arimasu ka?' (明日は時間がありますか？ - Do you have time tomorrow?) or 'Ichijikan ato ni aimashou.' (一時間後 atari mashou. - Let's meet in an hour.)
Some very common phrases include: じかんがあります (jikan ga arimasu - have time), じかんがありません (jikan ga nai - don't have time), じかんがかかります (jikan ga kakarimasu - it takes time), and じかんを過ごす (jikan o sugosu - to spend time).
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Summary
Jikan (時間) is the fundamental Japanese word for 'time', used for durations, specific moments, and the abstract concept, crucial for all levels of communication.
- Jikan (時間) means time.
- Used for duration, specific times, and general concept.
- Essential for daily conversations in Japanese.
- Learn its use with numbers for hours.
Mastering the 'Ji' Sound
The 'ji' sound in 'jikan' is softer than the English 'j'. Try to place your tongue slightly further forward in your mouth, almost between your teeth, and make a voiced 'zh' sound. Practice saying 'ji-kan' slowly and clearly, focusing on this initial sound.
Distinguishing Hours vs. O'clock
This is critical! Remember that 'ji' (時) with numbers means 'o'clock' (e.g., 3時 - sanji, 3 o'clock), while 'jikan' (時間) with numbers means 'hours' (e.g., 3時間 - sanjikan, 3 hours). Always check the context to know which one is being used.
Context is Key
'Jikan' can refer to the abstract concept of time, a specific duration, or a point in time. Pay close attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to understand which meaning is intended. For example, 'Nagai jikan' means 'a long time' (duration), while 'Sono toki' means 'at that time' (specific moment).
Use It in Sentences Daily
Make it a habit to use 'jikan' in your practice sentences every day. Describe how long things take, when you have free time, or what time it is. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Example
試験の時間は90分です。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
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.
