Add the suffix 'ji' to a number to indicate the specific hour on a clock.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to express specific clock time.
- Attach to numbers 1-12.
- Essential for daily scheduling and communication.
Overview
- 1概要：「～時」は、日本語で「～ o'clock」を意味する非常に基本的な接尾辞です。数字の後ろに「時（じ）」を付けるだけで、特定の時刻を指し示すことができます。2) 使用パターン：数字の読み方に注意が必要です。特に「4時（よじ）」「7時（しちじ）」「9時（くじ）」は特殊な読み方をするため、暗記が必要です。それ以外の数字は基本的に音読みで対応します。3) 一般的な文脈：待ち合わせの約束、仕事の開始時間、テレビ番組の放送時間など、時間を扱うあらゆる状況で使用されます。「今、何時ですか？」という質問は、日本で最も頻繁に使われるフレーズの一つです。4) 類似語との比較：「～時」が「時刻の点」を表すのに対し、「～時間」は「時間の長さ（duration）」を表します。例えば「3時」は午後3時というポイントを指しますが、「3時間」は3時間という期間を指します。この区別は学習者が混同しやすいポイントですが、文脈で容易に判断可能です。
Examples
今は何時ですか？
everydayWhat time is it now?
会議は9時に始まります。
formalThe meeting starts at 9 o'clock.
10時に家を出るよ。
informalI'll leave the house at 10.
午前2時まで勉強した。
academicI studied until 2 a.m.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
何時ですか
What time is it?
また後で
See you later
時間通り
On time
Often Confused With
Used for duration (e.g., 2 hours). 'Ji' is for the point in time on the clock.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The suffix 'ji' is neutral and used in all registers. It is attached directly to the number. Remember that 4, 7, and 9 are irregular.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often say 'yon-ji' instead of 'yo-ji'. Another mistake is using 'nanaji' instead of 'shichiji'.
Tips
Master the irregular readings first
Focus on memorizing 4, 7, and 9 o'clock. These are the most common mistakes for beginners.
Avoid using 'yon' for 4 o'clock
Always use 'yo-ji'. Using 'yon-ji' sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Punctuality in Japan
Japanese culture highly values punctuality. Knowing how to express time precisely is crucial for social etiquette.
Word Origin
Derived from the Kanji character '時' meaning time or hour. It has been used in this suffix form since ancient times in the Japanese language.
Cultural Context
Punctuality is a core value in Japan. Being even one minute late can be considered rude, so mastering time expressions is vital.
Memory Tip
Think of the clock face. 4 is 'yo', 7 is 'shi', 9 is 'ku'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsいいえ、「よじ」と読みます。「4」は「よん」と読みますが、時刻の時は「よ」と読むのがルールです。
「しちじ」と読みます。「ななじ」とは言わないので注意してください。
「くじ」と読みます。「きゅうじ」とは言いません。
「～時」は時刻のポイント（例：3時に会う）を指し、「～時間」は期間（例：3時間勉強する）を指します。
Test Yourself
今日は午後___に会議があります。
「よじ」と読みます。
Score: /1
Summary
Add the suffix 'ji' to a number to indicate the specific hour on a clock.
- Used to express specific clock time.
- Attach to numbers 1-12.
- Essential for daily scheduling and communication.
Master the irregular readings first
Focus on memorizing 4, 7, and 9 o'clock. These are the most common mistakes for beginners.
Avoid using 'yon' for 4 o'clock
Always use 'yo-ji'. Using 'yon-ji' sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Punctuality in Japan
Japanese culture highly values punctuality. Knowing how to express time precisely is crucial for social etiquette.
Examples
4 of 4今は何時ですか？
What time is it now?
会議は9時に始まります。
The meeting starts at 9 o'clock.
10時に家を出るよ。
I'll leave the house at 10.
午前2時まで勉強した。
I studied until 2 a.m.
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.
