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A1 noun #1,000 most common 14 min read

とき

toki Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips とき in 30 Seconds

Explanation とき in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'toki' is introduced as a simple way to say 'when.' Learners are taught to connect it to verbs in the dictionary form (e.g., 'taberu toki') and nouns using 'no' (e.g., 'kodomo no toki'). The focus is on basic daily routines and past experiences. You use it to set the stage for a sentence, like 'When I go to school, I meet my friend.' It is one of the first 'connector' words students learn to move beyond single-clause sentences. At this stage, the nuances of past vs. present tense before 'toki' are kept simple, usually focusing on the present dictionary form for future/habitual actions and the 'no' particle for simple noun connections. It's the 'When' that opens up storytelling.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'toki' with adjectives and explore the 'ta-form' (past tense) connection more deeply. You learn that 'hima na toki' (when free) requires 'na,' and 'samui toki' (when cold) connects directly. The distinction between 'iku toki' (before going) and 'itta toki' (after going) becomes a key learning point. A2 students use 'toki' to describe childhood memories ('kodomo no toki'), travel experiences, and specific situational advice ('komatta toki'). The use of particles like 'toki wa' for emphasis and 'toki ni' for specific points in time is also introduced, allowing for more descriptive and varied sentence structures.

At the B1 level, 'toki' is used in more abstract and complex contexts. Learners move beyond simple 'when' and start using it to describe general truths, social conditions, and psychological states. You might use it to discuss 'the time when society changed' or 'the moment I realized my mistake.' B1 students also begin to distinguish 'toki' from more formal alternatives like 'sai' or situational ones like 'baai.' The grammar becomes more solid, and learners can handle long relative clauses modifying 'toki' (e.g., 'Hajime te kanojo ni atta toki no koto...' - The time when I first met her...). It becomes a tool for nuanced narrative and expressing conditions in a more sophisticated way.

At the B2 level, 'toki' is often seen in its kanji form (時) and is used in formal writing and literature. Learners understand the subtle differences between 'toki,' 'koro,' and 'jiki' in professional and academic contexts. You might encounter 'toki' in legal or instructional texts where it defines specific temporal triggers. B2 learners also explore idiomatic expressions and proverbs involving 'toki,' such as 'toki wa kane nari' (time is money). The focus shifts to register—knowing when 'toki' is too casual and when a word like 'sai' or 'ori' is required. You can also use 'toki' to discuss historical eras or significant life stages with precision.

At the C1 level, 'toki' is analyzed for its philosophical and poetic nuances. Learners study how authors use 'toki' to manipulate the flow of time in a narrative or to evoke specific emotional responses (mono no aware). You understand the historical development of the word from classical Japanese and can recognize archaic forms or usages in literature. C1 speakers use 'toki' effortlessly in complex debates, using it to pinpoint specific historical or theoretical moments. The distinction between 'toki' as a grammatical particle and 'toki' as a profound noun representing the fourth dimension is fully understood. You can discuss the 'nature of time' using 'toki' in high-level academic or philosophical discourse.

At the C2 level, mastery of 'toki' is absolute. The speaker can use the word with all its historical, cultural, and literary baggage. You can appreciate and use 'toki' in classical poetry (haiku/tanka) where its meaning might be layered with seasonal references. In professional settings, you can navigate the most formal registers where 'toki' might be replaced by highly specific honorific temporal markers. A C2 learner can explain the linguistic evolution of 'toki' and its role in shaping the Japanese worldview of transience. The word is no longer just a 'when'—it is a versatile instrument used to paint vivid, time-sensitive pictures in the listener's mind, perfectly adapted to any social or literary context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

とき in 30 Seconds

Toki is a fundamental Japanese word meaning 'time' or 'moment,' used to connect actions to specific temporal contexts.
It functions as a noun, requiring 'no' after other nouns and 'na' after na-adjectives to form correct grammatical structures.
Unlike 'jikan' (duration), 'toki' refers to a specific point or occasion, making it essential for storytelling and giving instructions.
The tense of the verb before 'toki' (present vs. past) determines if the action happens before or after the main event.

The Japanese word とき (toki), often written with the kanji 時, is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the Japanese language. At its simplest level, it translates to 'time' or 'moment' in English. However, its utility extends far beyond a simple noun. In Japanese, toki functions as a temporal marker that anchors an action or state to a specific point in time. Unlike the English word 'time' which can refer to duration (e.g., 'I don't have time'), toki specifically refers to a particular instance, occasion, or the 'when' of a situation. When you are a beginner, you will primarily encounter it in the structure '[Verb/Adjective/Noun] + toki,' which translates to 'When [something happens]...' or 'At the time of [something].' This makes it indispensable for storytelling, giving instructions, and describing habits.

Grammatical Function: It acts as a formal noun that is modified by the preceding phrase. This means whatever comes before 'toki' describes the 'time' being discussed. For example, 'taberu toki' literally means 'the eating time' or 'when I eat.'

子供のとき、よく公園で遊びました。 (When I was a child, I often played in the park.)

Understanding the nuance of toki requires distinguishing it from jikan (時間). While jikan is used for duration (hours, minutes) or the abstract concept of time as a resource, toki is the specific 'point' or 'occasion.' You use toki when you want to pinpoint a specific circumstance. For instance, 'the time I went to Japan' or 'the time I was angry.' It is also deeply embedded in Japanese culture and philosophy, often appearing in literature to denote the fleeting nature of moments. In daily life, you will hear it used to set the stage for a story: 'Ano toki...' (At that time...). It serves as a bridge between two events, showing their temporal relationship. Whether you are talking about the past, present, or future, toki remains the primary tool for defining the temporal context of your sentences.

Social Context: Using 'toki' allows speakers to be precise about when an event occurred without needing complex tense structures. It is polite, clear, and universally understood across all Japanese dialects.

困ったときは、いつでも電話してください。 (When you are in trouble, please call me anytime.)

In professional settings, toki can be elevated to sai (際) for a more formal tone, but in 95% of daily interactions, toki is the natural choice. It is also used in many compound words and idiomatic expressions that describe specific periods, such as 'shokuji no toki' (mealtime) or 'wakai toki' (when one was young). The versatility of this word cannot be overstated; it is the glue that holds Japanese temporal logic together. By mastering toki, you gain the ability to describe complex sequences of events and express conditions based on time, which is a major milestone in moving from basic phrases to fluent storytelling. It is the foundation upon which you will build more advanced temporal expressions like 'aida' (while) or 'uchi ni' (while/before).

Visualizing Toki: Think of 'toki' as a snapshot in a photo album. Each 'toki' is a specific picture representing a moment, whereas 'jikan' is the entire album or the length of the video.

暇なとき、何をしますか？ (What do you do when you are free?)

Using とき (toki) correctly involves understanding how it attaches to different parts of speech. Because toki is grammatically a noun, the words preceding it must follow the rules for modifying a noun. This is one of the most important aspects of Japanese grammar for beginners to internalize. Let's break down the four main ways to connect words to toki. First, for Verbs, you use the plain form (dictionary form for present/future, or 'ta' form for past). For example, 'Iku toki' means 'When I go' or 'When I am about to go,' while 'Itta toki' means 'When I went' or 'After I arrived.' The tense of the verb before toki is relative to the main action of the sentence, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Verb Modification: Dictionary Form + Toki: Action not yet completed. Ta-Form + Toki: Action completed. Example: 'Neru toki' (When I go to bed) vs 'Neta toki' (When I have fallen asleep).

日本へ行くとき、カメラを買いました。 (When I was going to Japan, I bought a camera - I bought it before arriving.)

Second, for I-Adjectives, you simply attach toki directly to the adjective. For example, 'Samui toki' (When it is cold) or 'Isogashii toki' (When I am busy). Third, for Na-Adjectives, you must include the 'na' particle. For example, 'Hima na toki' (When I am free) or 'Shizuka na toki' (When it is quiet). Forgetting the 'na' is a very common mistake for learners. Fourth, for Nouns, you must use the particle 'no'. For example, 'Kodomo no toki' (When I was a child) or 'Byouki no toki' (When I am/was sick). This 'no' acts as a possessive or descriptive link, literally saying 'the time of childhood.'

Adjective & Noun Patterns: I-Adj + Toki | Na-Adj + Na + Toki | Noun + No + Toki. These patterns are consistent and essential for describing states of being.

日本に着いたとき、電話してください。 (When you arrive in Japan, please call me - call after arriving.)

Another nuance is the use of particles after toki itself. You can say 'toki wa' to emphasize the time as a topic, 'toki ni' to indicate a specific point, or 'toki mo' to mean 'also when.' For example, 'Ame no toki wa, uchi ni imasu' (When it rains [as for those times], I stay home). This flexibility allows you to layer meaning onto the temporal frame. Furthermore, toki can be used to describe habitual actions. 'Asa okita toki, mizu o nomimasu' (When I wake up in the morning, I drink water). In this context, it functions similarly to 'whenever.' Mastering these patterns allows you to move beyond simple subject-verb-object sentences and start creating complex, descriptive Japanese that flows naturally. It is the key to expressing 'if-then' scenarios that are specifically tied to time, making your Japanese sound much more sophisticated and accurate.

The 'Ni' Particle: Adding 'ni' after 'toki' (toki ni) often highlights a specific, one-time occurrence, whereas 'toki' alone or 'toki wa' is more general or habitual.

学生のとき、勉強が嫌いでした。 (When I was a student, I hated studying.)

The word とき (toki) is ubiquitous in Japanese society, appearing in everything from casual street slang to formal news broadcasts and ancient poetry. In daily conversation, you will hear it most frequently when people are sharing anecdotes or making plans. For example, a friend might say, 'Kondo au toki...' (Next time we meet...). It acts as a natural conversational anchor. In the workplace, you'll hear it in instructions: 'Shorui o dasu toki wa...' (When you submit the documents...). It provides the necessary context for procedures and rules. If you watch Japanese anime or dramas, toki is often used dramatically. Phrases like 'Toki ga kita' (The time has come) or 'Ano toki no koto...' (The thing from that time...) are staples of storytelling, used to evoke nostalgia or signal a turning point in the plot.

In Media and News: News anchors use 'toki' to describe when events occurred, often pairing it with formal dates. 'Gogo niji goro, jiken ga okita toki...' (At the time the incident occurred around 2 PM...).

「そのとき、私はまだ若かった。」 (At that time, I was still young.) - A common phrase in memoirs.

Public announcements are another place where toki is frequently heard. On a train, you might hear, 'Densha ga ugoku toki wa, tsurigawa ni o-tsukami kudasai' (When the train moves, please hold onto the handstraps). Here, toki is used to ensure safety by defining the exact moment a specific behavior is required. In Japanese music, toki is a favorite word for lyricists. It often represents the unstoppable flow of time or a precious moment shared between lovers. Songs frequently use 'toki o tomete' (stop time) or 'toki no nagare' (the flow of time) to express deep emotions. This cultural obsession with the 'moment' (mono no aware) makes toki a word with significant emotional weight in Japanese art and literature.

In Literature: In classical Japanese, 'toki' was used to mark the seasons, which are central to Japanese aesthetics. Even today, 'toki' carries that sense of seasonal change and ephemeral beauty.

地震のとき、どうすればいいですか？ (What should I do in the event of an earthquake?)

In everyday shopping, you might hear clerks say, 'O-kaikei no toki ni...' (At the time of payment...). This usage is very practical and helps guide the customer through the transaction process. Even in the digital world, Japanese websites use toki for error messages or instructions: 'Login dekinai toki wa...' (When you cannot login...). Because it is so versatile, it bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds, the formal and the informal. Understanding the context in which toki is used helps you understand the rhythm of Japanese life—it is a language that is constantly orienting itself in time, valuing the specific 'when' of every interaction. By paying attention to toki in the wild, you will start to see the logical structure of how Japanese speakers organize their thoughts and experiences.

Compound Words: Tokidoki (sometimes), Toki-itari (opportune moment), Tokioriori (occasionally). These show how the concept of 'time' is multiplied or specified.

「ときは金なり」 (Time is money.) - A famous proverb used in Japan just like in the West.

While とき (toki) is a beginner-level word, it is fraught with subtle traps that can lead to unnatural-sounding Japanese. The most frequent mistake is confusing toki with jikan (時間). Many learners try to translate the English sentence 'I don't have time' as 'Toki ga arimasen.' In Japanese, this sounds like you are saying 'The moment does not exist' or 'I don't have the specific occasion.' The correct word for 'time as a resource' is jikan. Remember: toki is a point; jikan is a duration or a resource. Another major pitfall is the grammar of connection. As mentioned before, forgetting the 'no' for nouns or the 'na' for na-adjectives is a hallmark of a beginner. Saying 'Kodomo toki' instead of 'Kodomo no toki' is grammatically incorrect and will immediately signal that you are still learning the basics.

The Tense Trap: Learners often use the past tense before 'toki' just because the whole sentence is in the past. Incorrect: 'Nihon ni itta toki, sushi o tabemashita' (if you mean you ate it on the way). Correct: 'Nihon ni iku toki' (When I was going) vs 'Nihon ni itta toki' (After I arrived).

❌ 時間のとき、本を読みます。 (Wrong use of 'jikan' with 'toki')
✅ 暇なとき、本を読みます。 (When I am free, I read books.)

The relative tense of verbs before toki is perhaps the most difficult part. In English, we often use the past tense for both: 'When I went to Japan, I bought a souvenir.' In Japanese, if you use 'itta' (went), it implies the action of buying happened after you arrived. If you use 'iku' (go), it implies the action happened before or during the journey. This distinction is vital for clarity. Another mistake is overusing toki when tara (if/when) or to (whenever/if) would be more natural. Toki is very literal about time. If you are describing a conditional result (If I press this button, the light turns on), using toki makes it sound like 'At the specific moment I press the button,' which is okay but often less natural than using the 'to' particle.

Confusing Toki and Koro: 'Koro' (頃) means 'around the time of.' Use 'toki' for specific moments and 'koro' for vague periods like 'around elementary school' or 'around 3 PM.'

❌ 三時のときに会いましょう。 (Sounds like 'Let's meet at the instant of 3:00')
✅ 三時に会いましょう。 (Let's meet at 3:00.)

Finally, avoid using toki with specific time-of-day nouns like 'asa' (morning) or 'yoru' (night) unless you are adding a modifier. Instead of 'Asa no toki,' just say 'Asa' or 'Asa ni.' However, 'Asa, gohan o taberu toki' (In the morning, when I eat a meal) is perfectly fine because toki is being modified by the verb 'taberu.' Being mindful of these distinctions—duration vs. point, relative tense, and correct particle connection—will elevate your Japanese from 'understandable' to 'natural.' Practice by writing sentences about your past and future, paying close attention to whether the action before toki is completed or not. This logical rigor is what makes Japanese a beautifully precise language when it comes to temporal relationships.

Politeness Levels: While 'toki' itself is neutral, the verb before it should generally be in the plain form even in polite sentences. 'Taberu toki ni ikimasu' is correct; 'Tabemasu toki' is awkward.

❌ 忙しいのとき、手伝ってください。 (I-adjectives don't need 'no')
✅ 忙しいとき、手伝ってください。 (When you are busy, please help.)

In Japanese, there are several words that overlap with とき (toki), and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality, the vagueness of the time, and the specific nuance you want to convey. The most common alternative is koro (頃) or goro. While toki refers to a specific point or occasion, koro refers to an approximate time or a general period. If you say 'Kodomo no toki,' you are focusing on the state of being a child. If you say 'Kodomo no koro,' you are focusing on the era of your childhood. Koro is much more common when talking about nostalgic memories or approximate clock times (e.g., 'san-ji goro' - around 3 o'clock). Another important alternative is sai (際), which is the formal, written version of toki. You will see sai in manuals, formal speeches, and business emails.

Toki vs. Koro: Toki: Specific point or 'when' (e.g., 'When I saw him'). Koro: Approximate period or 'around' (e.g., 'Around the time I was a student').

帰国の際は、ご連絡ください。 (Please contact us when you return to your country - Formal/Business.)

Then there is baai (場合), which means 'in the case of' or 'if.' While toki focuses on the time something happens, baai focuses on the situation or condition. 'Ame no toki' means 'When it rains,' but 'Ame no baai' means 'In the event of rain.' The latter is often used for contingency plans. Another related term is aida (間), which means 'while' or 'during.' Use aida when you want to emphasize that an action is happening continuously throughout a period of time, whereas toki just marks the time frame. For example, 'Nihon ni iru aida' (While I am in Japan - continuous) vs 'Nihon ni iru toki' (When I am in Japan - general). Understanding these distinctions allows you to be much more precise in your descriptions.

Toki vs. Baai: Toki: Temporal focus (When). Baai: Situational focus (In the event that). Use 'baai' for formal rules and 'toki' for general descriptions.

若いころ、よく旅行をしました。 (Around the time I was young, I traveled often.)

Lastly, consider jiki (時期), which refers to a season, phase, or period of time. You might say 'Kaze ga hayaru jiki' (The period when colds are prevalent). This is more abstract and collective than toki. By learning these synonyms, you build a toolkit for expressing time in all its dimensions: as a specific point (toki), an approximation (koro), a formal occasion (sai), a situational condition (baai), a continuous duration (aida), or a general phase (jiki). This richness is what makes Japanese so expressive. As you progress, try to swap toki for these alternatives to see how the meaning of your sentence shifts. You'll find that while toki is a safe 'all-purpose' word, the others add flavor and professional polish to your speech.

Summary Table: Toki: General 'When' | Koro: Approximate 'Around' | Sai: Formal 'Upon' | Baai: 'In case of' | Aida: 'While/During'.

忙しいときは、このお弁当が便利です。 (When you are busy, this bento is convenient.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'toki' (時) combines 'sun' (日) and 'temple/measure' (寺), suggesting the measurement of time by the sun's position, originally related to agricultural and religious schedules.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɒki/

US /toʊki/

Japanese doesn't have stress like English. It uses pitch accent. In 'toki', the pitch usually rises on the second syllable (Heiban or Atamadaka depending on dialect, but usually flat/rising).

Rhymes With

Doki (heartbeat sound) Aki (autumn) Saki (ahead) Kaki (persimmon) Maki (roll) Yaki (grilled) Waki (side) Haki (vigor)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'to' like 'toe' (long vowel). It should be short.
Pronouncing 'ki' like 'kih' (breathy). It should be a sharp 'key' sound.
Adding an 's' to make it plural (tokis). Japanese nouns don't have plural forms.
Confusing the pitch with 'toki' (crested ibis), which has a different pitch accent.
Over-emphasizing the 't' (aspirated). Keep it light.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The kanji 時 is very common and the hiragana とき is easy to recognize.

Writing 2/5

Connecting it correctly (no/na) requires some practice.

Speaking 2/5

Using the correct relative tense (iku vs itta) can be tricky.

Listening 1/5

It is a very clear and frequent word in spoken Japanese.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

時間 (jikan) いつ (itsu) の (no particle) な (na particle) です/ます (desu/masu)

Learn Next

ながら (nagara - while) 間に (aida ni - during) うちに (uchi ni - while/before) たら (tara - if/when) と (to - whenever)

Advanced

際 (sai) 折 (ori) 時期 (jiki) 頃 (koro) 場合 (baai)

Grammar to Know

Noun Modification

Noun + NO + Toki (Gakusei no toki).

Na-Adjective Modification

Na-Adj + NA + Toki (Hima na toki).

Relative Tense

Dictionary form for 'before/during', Ta-form for 'after'.

Topic Marker 'Wa'

Toki WA emphasizes the condition (Ame no toki wa...).

Particle 'Ni'

Toki NI points to a specific instance (Kitta toki ni...).

Examples by Level

ごはんをたべるとき、「いただきます」といいます。

When I eat a meal, I say 'Itadakimasu'.

Verb (dictionary form) + toki.

こどものとき、やさいがすきじゃありませんでした。

When I was a child, I didn't like vegetables.

Noun + no + toki.

ねるとき、でんきをけします。

When I go to bed, I turn off the light.

Verb (dictionary form) + toki.

ひまなとき、なにをしますか。

What do you do when you are free?

Na-adjective + na + toki.

がっこうへいくとき、ともだちにあいました。

When I was going to school, I met a friend.

Verb (dictionary form) indicates action before/during the trip.

あついとき、アイスクリームをたべます。

When it is hot, I eat ice cream.

I-adjective + toki.

びょうきのとき、くすりをのみます。

When I am sick, I take medicine.

Noun + no + toki.

テレビをみるとき、めがねをかけます。

When I watch TV, I put on my glasses.

Verb (dictionary form) + toki.

日本に行ったとき、たくさん写真を撮りました。

When I went to Japan, I took many photos.

Verb (ta-form) + toki indicates action after arriving.

暇なときは、いつも音楽を聴いています。

When I'm free, I'm always listening to music.

Toki + wa emphasizes the time as a topic.

忙しいとき、手伝ってください。

When I'm busy, please help me.

I-adjective + toki.

雨のときは、外で遊びません。

When it's raining, we don't play outside.

Noun + no + toki + wa.

道がわからないとき、スマホで調べます。

When I don't know the way, I check on my smartphone.

Verb (dictionary form) + toki.

寂しいとき、家族に電話します。

When I'm lonely, I call my family.

I-adjective + toki.

学生のとき、よくこの喫茶店に来ました。

When I was a student, I often came to this cafe.

Noun + no + toki.

寝る前に、明日着る服を準備するときがあります。

There are times when I prepare the clothes I'll wear tomorrow before bed.

Toki ga aru (There are times when...).

将来について考えるとき、少し不安になります。

When I think about the future, I feel a little anxious.

Abstract verb + toki.

困ったときは、お互い様です。

When we are in trouble, we should help each other (it's mutual).

Common idiomatic use of toki.

初めて富士山を見たときの感動は忘れられません。

I can't forget the emotion I felt when I first saw Mt. Fuji.

Modifying a noun with a 'toki' clause.

料理を作るときは、いつもこのレシピを使います。

Whenever I cook, I always use this recipe.

Habitual use of toki.

仕事がうまくいかないとき、どうやってリフレッシュしますか。

When work isn't going well, how do you refresh yourself?

Describing a specific negative state.

若いときは、もっと体力がありました。

When I was young, I had more physical strength.

Comparing past and present using toki.

地震が起きたとき、慌てずに火を消してください。

When an earthquake occurs, turn off the stove without panicking.

Instructional use of toki.

大切なことを決める時は、一晩考えたほうがいい。

When deciding something important, it's better to sleep on it.

Advice-giving using toki.

卒業式の時、恩師に感謝の言葉を述べました。

At the time of the graduation ceremony, I expressed my gratitude to my teacher.

Formal noun + toki (written as 時).

予期せぬ事態が起きた時こそ、冷静な判断が求められる。

It is precisely when an unexpected situation occurs that calm judgment is required.

Toki koso (precisely when...).

この古い写真を見る時、当時の記憶が鮮やかに蘇ります。

When I look at this old photo, memories of those days come back vividly.

Literary/Reflective use.

契約を締結する時は、細部まで確認する必要があります。

When concluding a contract, it is necessary to check every detail.

Professional/Formal context.

彼は時として、非常に厳しい一面を見せることがある。

He sometimes shows a very strict side.

Toki to shite (sometimes/occasionally).

災害が発生した時は、自治体の指示に従ってください。

In the event of a disaster, please follow the instructions of the local government.

Formal public instruction.

研究を進める時、データの正確性が最も重要です。

When conducting research, the accuracy of data is most important.

Academic context.

人生の岐路に立った時、どちらの道を選ぶべきか悩んだ。

When I stood at a crossroads in my life, I agonized over which path to choose.

Metaphorical use of toki.

歴史を振り返る時、我々は過去の過ちから学ぶべきである。

When reflecting on history, we should learn from the mistakes of the past.

Formal philosophical reflection.

芸術作品に触れる時、作者の意図を超えた感動が生まれることがある。

When coming into contact with a work of art, emotions beyond the author's intent are sometimes born.

Abstract/Aesthetic context.

社会が激変する時、伝統的な価値観が問われることになる。

When society undergoes drastic changes, traditional values come into question.

Sociological analysis.

静寂に包まれた時、自分自身の内なる声が聞こえてくる。

When enveloped in silence, one's own inner voice can be heard.

Introspective/Poetic use.

法案を審議する時は、国民の声を十分に反映させなければならない。

When deliberating on a bill, the voices of the citizens must be fully reflected.

Political/Legal context.

文明が崩壊する時、何が最後に残るのだろうか。

When a civilization collapses, what will remain in the end?

Speculative/Existential use.

異文化に接する時、自らのアイデンティティを再認識させられる。

When encountering a different culture, one is made to reaffirm their own identity.

Psychological/Cultural context.

科学技術が進化する時、倫理的な課題も同時に浮上してくる。

As science and technology evolve, ethical issues also emerge simultaneously.

Scientific/Ethical discussion.

万物流転の理を思う時、人の世の儚さを痛感せざるを得ない。

When thinking of the principle of all things in flux, one cannot help but feel the transience of the human world.

Highly formal/Literary style (Mono no aware).

国家の存亡が懸かった時、指導者には果断な決断が求められる。

When the survival of the nation is at stake, decisive action is required of the leader.

High-level political discourse.

古典文学を紐解く時、千年の時を超えて作者の息遣いが伝わってくる。

When unravelling classical literature, the author's breath reaches us across a thousand years of time.

Metaphorical and poetic use of 'toki'.

宇宙の起源を追究する時、我々は人知を超えた深淵に立ち向かうことになる。

When pursuing the origin of the universe, we confront an abyss beyond human knowledge.

Scientific/Philosophical grandeur.

真理を追究する時は、既成概念に囚われない自由な発想が必要だ。

When pursuing truth, free thinking untethered by preconceived notions is necessary.

Epistemological discussion.

時代の荒波に揉まれる時、個人の力はいかにも無力に見える。

When tossed about by the rough waves of the era, individual power seems truly helpless.

Metaphorical/Societal reflection.

生死の境を彷徨う時、人は何を最期に願うのだろうか。

When wandering the border between life and death, what does a person wish for in the end?

Existential/Poetic inquiry.

悠久の時を刻む大自然の営みに触れる時、心の平安が得られる。

When coming into contact with the workings of nature that mark eternal time, peace of mind is obtained.

Sublime/Spiritual context.

Common Collocations

子供のとき

暇なとき

困ったとき

寝るとき

食事のとき

若いとき

地震のとき

忙しいとき

あのとき

ときどき

Common Phrases

時と場合による

— It depends on the time and situation. A very common way to say 'it depends.'

行くかどうかは、時と場合によります。

時が解決してくれる

— Time will solve it. Similar to 'time heals all wounds.'

今は辛いけど、時が解決してくれるよ。

時を刻む

— To tick away time. Often used for clocks or history.

古い時計が静かに時を刻んでいる。

時を忘れる

— To forget time. Used when you are very focused on something.

本を読んでいて、時を忘れてしまった。

時を戻す

— To turn back time. A common theme in sci-fi or regretful thoughts.

できるなら、あの時を戻したい。

時が止まる

— Time stops. Used for shocking or beautiful moments.

彼女を見た瞬間、時が止まった気がした。

時が経つのは早い

— Time flies. Used when reflecting on how fast years pass.

もう一年ですか。時が経つのは早いですね。

時を稼ぐ

— To buy time. Used when trying to delay something.

少し話をして、時を稼ぎましょう。

時が来る

— The time comes. Used for destiny or a long-awaited moment.

いつか、決断する時が来る。

時の人

— The person of the hour. Someone who is currently very famous or relevant.

彼は今、時の人として注目されている。

Often Confused With

とき vs 時間 (jikan)

Jikan is for duration (how long) or time as a resource. Toki is for a specific 'when'.

とき vs いつ (itsu)

Itsu is the question word 'when?'. Toki is the connector 'when...'.

とき vs 頃 (koro)

Koro is for approximate periods. Toki is for specific instances.

Idioms & Expressions

"時は金なり"

— Time is money. Emphasizes the value of time.

時は金なり。無駄遣いはやめよう。

Neutral

"時を移さず"

— Without losing a moment; immediately.

彼は時を移さず、行動を開始した。

Formal

"時を得る"

— To have an opportunity; to be timely.

その提案は、まさに時を得たものだった。

Formal

"時流に乗る"

— To go with the stream; to follow the current trend.

彼は時流に乗って成功した。

Neutral

"時を分かたず"

— Day and night; constantly; regardless of time.

工事は時を分かたず行われている。

Formal

"時宜を得る"

— To be timely; to be appropriate for the occasion.

彼の発言は時宜を得ていた。

Formal

"時ならぬ"

— Untimely; unseasonable; unexpected.

時ならぬ客に驚いた。

Literary

"時を待つ"

— To bide one's time; to wait for the right moment.

今は動かず、時を待つべきだ。

Neutral

"時の運"

— Luck of the moment; chance.

勝負は時の運だ。

Neutral

"時をかける"

— To travel through time (famous from 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time').

時をかける少女。

Pop Culture

Easily Confused

とき vs 時間 (jikan)

Both translate to 'time' in English.

Jikan is 'time' as a quantity or duration. Toki is 'time' as a point or occasion. You can't say 'I have three toki,' you say 'I have three jikan.'

時間がありません (I don't have time) vs あの時 (That time).

とき vs 頃 (koro)

Both refer to a time in the past or a period.

Koro is 'around' or 'about.' It is vague. Toki is more specific. 'Kodomo no toki' is the state of being a child; 'Kodomo no koro' is the era of childhood.

三時ごろ (Around 3:00) vs 三時のとき (At the time of 3:00 - rare).

とき vs 場合 (baai)

Both can be translated as 'when' or 'if'.

Baai focuses on the situation/case. Toki focuses on the time. 'Ame no baai' is 'In case of rain' (contingency). 'Ame no toki' is 'When it rains' (temporal).

火事の場合は逃げてください (In case of fire, flee).

とき vs 際 (sai)

Both mean 'when' or 'at the time of'.

Sai is much more formal and usually used in writing or formal speeches. Toki is used in everyday speech.

帰国の際 (Upon returning home - formal).

とき vs 時 (ji)

Same kanji.

When read as 'ji', it usually follows a number to indicate the hour (e.g., San-ji = 3 o'clock). When read as 'toki', it means 'time' or 'when'.

一時に会いましょう (Let's meet at 1:00).

Sentence Patterns

[Verb Dictionary Form] とき、[Main Clause]

本を読むとき、眼鏡をかけます。

[Noun] のとき、[Main Clause]

子供のとき、テニスをしました。

[I-Adjective] とき、[Main Clause]

忙しいとき、休みがほしいです。

[Na-Adjective] なとき、[Main Clause]

暇なとき、映画を見ます。

[Verb Ta-Form] とき、[Main Clause]

日本に着いたとき、電話しました。

[Clause] ときは、[Result/Habit]

雨のときは、バスで行きます。

[Noun/Verb] の時こそ、[Emphasis]

大変な時こそ、笑顔が大切だ。

[Clause] 時として、[Occasional Result]

薬は時として、毒になることもある。

Word Family

Nouns

時間 (jikan - duration)

時計 (tokei - clock)

時刻 (jikoku - point in time)

時期 (jiki - period)

Verbs

時化る (shikeru - to be stormy/gloomy)

時季外れる (jikihazureru - to be out of season)

Adjectives

時ならぬ (tokinaranu - untimely)

時宜にかなった (jigi ni kanatta - timely)

時代 (jidai - era)

過去 (kako - past)

現在 (genzai - present)

未来 (mirai - future)

瞬間 (shunkan - moment)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high. It is one of the top 100 most used words in Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Using 'toki' for duration. → 三時間勉強しました (San-jikan benkyou shimashita).
You cannot use 'toki' to say 'for three hours.' 'Toki' is a point in time, not a length of time. Use 'jikan' for duration.
Forgetting 'no' after a noun. → 子供のとき (Kodomo no toki).
Since 'toki' is a noun, you must use the 'no' particle to connect it to another noun. 'Kodomo toki' is incorrect.
Using 'toki' as a question word. → いつ行きますか？ (Itsu ikimasu ka?)
'Toki' is not a question word. To ask 'When?', you must use 'itsu'. 'Toki' is only for statements.
Using 'desu' before 'toki'. → 暇なとき (Hima na toki).
You don't say 'Hima desu toki.' You must use the noun-modifying form. For na-adjectives, that is 'na'.
Incorrect relative tense. → 日本に行くとき、パスポートを買いました (Bought it before going).
If you use 'itta toki' (past), it means you did the action after arriving. If you mean 'on the way,' use 'iku toki'.

Tips

The 'No' Rule

Always remember: Noun + NO + Toki. Beginners often say 'Gakusei toki,' but it must be 'Gakusei NO toki.' This is the golden rule for using 'toki' with nouns.

Toki vs Jikan

If you are counting hours or saying 'I don't have time,' use 'jikan.' If you are saying 'When I was...', use 'toki.' Never say 'San-toki' for three hours!

Relative Tense

The verb before 'toki' is dictionary form if the action isn't done yet, and ta-form if it is. 'Neru toki' (When I go to bed) vs 'Neta toki' (When I've fallen asleep).

Tokidoki

Memorize 'tokidoki' (sometimes) as a set phrase. It's just 'toki' repeated with a sound change (rendaku) on the second 't'.

Natural Pauses

Native speakers often add 'wa' after 'toki' to set the scene. 'Kodomo no toki wa...' (As for when I was a child...). It makes your Japanese sound more fluent.

Kanji Choice

In formal writing, use 時. In casual texts or when it's purely a grammar point, とき is very common and looks softer.

Catch the 'Na'

When you hear '...na toki,' you know a na-adjective was used (like 'hima na' or 'kirei na'). This helps you identify the word even if you didn't catch it clearly.

Seasonal Toki

Japanese culture loves 'toki' in relation to seasons. Phrases like 'Aki no toki' (the time of autumn) are poetic and common in literature.

Sai for Business

If you are in a business meeting, try replacing 'toki' with 'sai'. 'Go-setsumei no sai ni...' (At the time of explanation...). It sounds much more professional.

The Time Key

The 'ki' in 'toki' sounds like 'key.' Think of 'toki' as the 'key' that unlocks the 'time' of the sentence.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Talkie' movie. A 'talkie' happens at a specific 'TIME' in history. Toki = Time.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant CLOCK (Tokei) where the hands are pointing to a specific 'TOKI' (moment).

Word Web

Time When Moment Clock History Sometimes Era Season

Challenge

Try to use 'toki' three times today: once for a childhood memory, once for a daily habit, and once for a future plan.

Word Origin

The word 'toki' is an ancient native Japanese word (yamato-kotoba). It has been used since the earliest recorded Japanese literature, such as the Manyoshu.

Original meaning: It originally referred to a specific moment or the occurrence of an event, often tied to natural cycles or seasonal changes.

Japonic / Native Japanese.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using 'toki' instead of 'jikan' in the wrong context can make you sound slightly confused about the concept of duration.

English speakers often use 'when' as both a question and a connector. In Japanese, 'toki' is only the connector. The question 'when' is 'itsu'.

Toki o Kakeru Shoujo (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time) - Famous novel/anime. Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase - Famous song by Teresa Teng. Toki wa Kane Nari - The Japanese translation of 'Time is Money'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Childhood Memories

子供のとき (When I was a child)
小学生のとき (When I was in elementary school)
若かったとき (When I was young)
あのとき (At that time)

Daily Routine

起きるとき (When I wake up)
食べるとき (When I eat)
寝るとき (When I go to bed)
出かけるとき (When I go out)

Giving Advice

困ったとき (When you are in trouble)
わからないとき (When you don't understand)
病気のとき (When you are sick)
暇なとき (When you are free)

Travel

日本に行ったとき (When I went to Japan)
ホテルに着いたとき (When I arrived at the hotel)
道に迷ったとき (When I got lost)
帰るとき (When I go back)

Work/School

テストのとき (During the test)
会議のとき (During the meeting)
忙しいとき (When busy)
休みの日 (On holidays - though not using toki, often compared)

Conversation Starters

"子供のとき、どんな子供でしたか？ (What kind of child were you when you were young?)"

"暇なとき、いつも何をしていますか？ (What do you always do when you have free time?)"

"日本に来たとき、一番驚いたことは何ですか？ (What surprised you most when you came to Japan?)"

"疲れたとき、どうやってリラックスしますか？ (How do you relax when you are tired?)"

"困ったとき、誰に相談しますか？ (Who do you talk to when you are in trouble?)"

Journal Prompts

子供のときの思い出について書いてください。 (Write about a memory from when you were a child.)

日本に行ったとき（または行きたいとき）にしたいことを書いてください。 (Write about what you did/want to do when you go to Japan.)

暇なときの過ごし方について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about how you spend your free time.)

初めて日本語を勉強したときのことを思い出して書いてください。 (Recall and write about when you first studied Japanese.)

将来、成功したときに自分に言いたいことを書いてください。 (Write what you want to say to yourself when you succeed in the future.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you cannot. For questions, you must use 'itsu'. 'Toki' is only used to connect two parts of a sentence, like 'When the party starts, I will be there.' If you say 'Party wa toki desu ka?', it is incorrect.

Not always. In many textbooks and casual messages, it is written in hiragana (とき) when it acts as a grammatical connector. The kanji (時) is more common when it's a strong noun or in formal writing.

This is about timing. 'Iku toki' means 'when you are going' (before you arrive). 'Itta toki' means 'when you went' or 'after you arrived.' For example, 'Nihon ni iku toki, kaimashita' means you bought it before or during the trip. 'Nihon ni itta toki, kaimashita' means you bought it after arriving in Japan.

It depends. You can use 'toki' alone, but 'toki wa' is common for general habits or topics, and 'toki ni' is used for specific moments. 'Toki mo' means 'also when.' Usually, just 'toki' is fine for beginners.

It's better to just say 'asa' (morning) or 'asa ni'. Saying 'asa no toki' is redundant and sounds unnatural. However, you can say 'asa gohan o taberu toki' (when I eat breakfast) because 'toki' is being modified by the whole action.

You use the doubled form: 'tokidoki' (時々). This is a very common adverb in Japanese.

Yes, 'toki' is neutral and can be used in both polite and casual speech. The politeness of the sentence is determined by the verb at the very end (e.g., 'taberu toki, ikimasu' is polite because of 'ikimasu').

Sometimes, but 'tara' or 'ba' are usually better for 'if.' 'Toki' is specifically about the time something happens. If the condition is purely hypothetical, don't use 'toki'.

'Toki' is a point or occasion. 'Aida' is a duration. 'Nihon ni iru toki' means 'when I'm in Japan.' 'Nihon ni iru aida' means 'throughout the time I am in Japan.' Use 'aida' for continuous actions.

Yes, in a broader sense, 'toki' can refer to an era or 'the times,' though 'jidai' (時代) is more common for that specific meaning. You might hear 'toki no nagare' to mean 'the flow of the times.'