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A2 verb 9 min read

おきます

okimasu
Examples おきます in 30 Seconds
Explanation おきます in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are introduced to basic verbs for daily routines. 「おきます」 would be presented as a fundamental verb for 'waking up' or 'getting up'. Sentences would be very simple, focusing on direct statements like 'I wake up at 7 AM.' The emphasis is on recognizing and producing the most common polite form (おきます) and understanding its direct meaning in relation to the start of the day. Examples would typically involve single actions without complex grammar.
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For A2 learners, 「おきます」 is used in slightly more complex sentences, often including time expressions and frequency adverbs. Learners are expected to understand and use both the polite form 「おきます」 and the plain form 「おきる」. They can also use it in simple questions and answers about daily routines. The concept of past tense (おきました) and negative (おきません) might also be introduced, allowing for descriptions of past actions or inability to wake up. Contexts expand to include simple discussions about schedules.
At the B1 level, 「おきます」 can be used in more nuanced sentences, often connected with other verbs using the '-te' form to describe a sequence of actions (e.g., 起きて、顔を洗います - okite, kao o araimasu). Learners can discuss their waking habits more elaborately, comparing different days or situations. They might also encounter or use related verbs like 「起き上がる」 (okiagaru) and understand the difference in nuance. The negative potential form (起きられない - okirarenai - cannot wake up) is also common.
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B2 learners can use 「おきます」 in a wider range of contexts, including discussions about health, productivity, and personal lifestyle choices. They can understand and use more complex sentence structures involving 「おきます」, such as conditional clauses or more sophisticated adverbial phrases. They are also more likely to encounter and use the formal term 「起床する」 (kishō suru) in specific contexts like news or official announcements, and can differentiate it from the everyday use of 「おきます」.
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C1 learners can use 「おきます」 with great fluency and accuracy, often incorporating it into more abstract or metaphorical language. They can understand and produce subtle nuances, such as the difference between the general act of waking up and the more specific act of 'getting up' (起き上がる). They are proficient in using various verb forms and can effortlessly switch between polite and plain forms based on the social context. They can also analyze texts where 「おきます」 is used in literary or idiomatic ways.
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At the C2 level, learners have a complete mastery of 「おきます」 and its related vocabulary. They can use it in highly sophisticated, nuanced, and idiomatic expressions. They understand its historical and cultural connotations and can appreciate its use in literature, poetry, and specialized discourse. They can also explain the fine distinctions between 「おきます」 and its alternatives like 「目覚める」 or 「起床する」 with expert clarity.
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Examples

おきます in 30 Seconds

  • 「おきます」 means to wake up or get up.
  • It is the polite form of the verb 「おきる」.
  • Used for daily routines, especially mornings.
  • Commonly paired with time expressions like '7時に起きます'.
Understanding 「おきます」
Core Meaning
The verb 「おきます」 (okimasu) is primarily used to express the action of waking up from sleep. It can also be used to describe the action of getting out of bed after waking up. It's a fundamental verb for describing daily routines, especially the beginning of the day.
Everyday Usage
You will hear 「おきます」 frequently in everyday conversations about daily schedules, morning routines, and the transition from sleep to wakefulness. For example, when someone asks about your morning, you might respond using this verb. It's a polite and common way to talk about this action.

朝、何時に おきます か？

Translation: What time do you wake up in the morning?
Nuance: Waking vs. Getting Up
While 「おきます」 can encompass both waking up and getting out of bed, sometimes context clarifies the exact meaning. If someone says 「6時に起きます」 (roku-ji ni okimasu), it generally implies they wake up at 6 AM and likely get out of bed around that time. For a more specific nuance of 'getting out of bed', 「ベッドから出ます」 (beddo kara demasu) could be used, but 「おきます」 is very common for the general act of starting the day.

今日は早く おきます。

Translation: I'm waking up early today.
Associated Actions
When you 「おきます」, it's often followed by other daily activities such as washing your face (顔を洗います - kao o araimasu), brushing your teeth (歯を磨きます - ha o migakimasu), or eating breakfast (朝ごはんを食べます - asagohan o tabemasu). Understanding 「おきます」 is key to describing the start of your day.

母はいつも私より早く おきます。

Translation: My mother always wakes up earlier than me.
In Summary
「おきます」 is your go-to verb for 'to wake up' or 'to get up' in Japanese. It's a high-frequency, essential verb for anyone learning Japanese, particularly for discussing daily routines and schedules. Mastering this word will significantly enhance your ability to communicate about the start of your day.
Putting 「おきます」 into Practice
Basic Sentence Structure
The most common way to use 「おきます」 is with a time indicator and the particle 「に」 (ni), followed by the verb. This structure tells you *when* the action occurs. For example, 「7時に起きます」 (shichi-ji ni okimasu) means 'I wake up at 7 o'clock'. The subject (I, you, he, she, etc.) is often omitted when it's clear from the context.

私は毎朝6時におきます。

Translation: I wake up at 6 every morning.
Adding Frequency
You can combine 「おきます」 with adverbs of frequency like 「毎日」 (mainichi - every day), 「いつも」 (itsumo - always), 「時々」 (tokidoki - sometimes), or 「あまり」 (amari - not often) to describe how regularly you wake up at a certain time or in a certain way. For instance, 「休みの日は遅く起きます」 (yasumi no hi wa osoku okimasu) means 'On holidays, I wake up late'.

週末はゆっくりおきます。

Translation: I wake up slowly on weekends.
Describing a Change or Event
「おきます」 can also be used in sentences describing specific events or changes in routine. For example, 「アラームが鳴って、やっと起きました」 (arāmu ga natte, yatto okimashita) means 'The alarm rang, and I finally woke up.' The past tense 「起きました」 (okimashita) is used here to indicate a completed action.

子供が泣いて、すぐにおきました。

Translation: The child cried, and I immediately woke up.
Questions and Answers
Practice asking and answering questions about waking up. A simple Q&A might be: Q: 「朝ごはんの前に起きますか？」 (Asagohan no mae ni okimasu ka? - Do you wake up before breakfast?) A: 「はい、起きます。」 (Hai, okimasu. - Yes, I do.) or 「いいえ、朝ごはんの後に起きます。」 (Iie, asagohan no ato ni okimasu. - No, I wake up after breakfast.)

旅行中は、いつもより早くおきます。

Translation: When traveling, I wake up earlier than usual.
Using with Other Verbs
You can chain actions after waking up. For example, 「起きて、顔を洗います」 (okite, kao o araimasu) uses the '-te' form of 「おきます」 to connect it to the next action, meaning 'I wake up and wash my face.' This creates a smooth flow of describing your morning routine.
Real-World Encounters with 「おきます」
Morning Conversations
The most common place you'll hear 「おきます」 is during morning conversations. Friends might ask each other, 「今日、何時に起きた？」 (Kyō, nan-ji ni okita? - What time did you wake up today?) or a parent might tell their child, 「もう起きなさい！」 (Mō okinasai! - Wake up already!). It's a staple of discussing the start of the day.

「昨日は遅くまで起きていましたか？」

Translation: Were you up late yesterday?
Morning Announcements
In places like schools, dormitories, or even some hotels, you might hear announcements related to waking up. For example, a dormitory supervisor might announce, 「皆さん、朝6時に起きてください。」 (Minasan, asa roku-ji ni okite kudasai. - Everyone, please wake up at 6 AM.).

「皆様、まもなく朝食の時間です。お目覚めください。」

Translation: (Slightly more formal) Everyone, breakfast time is approaching. Please wake up.
Daily Routine Discussions
When people talk about their daily lives, their schedules, or habits, 「おきます」 will naturally come up. For example, someone might say, 「私は仕事のために毎日早く起きますが、週末はゆっくり起きます。」 (Watashi wa shigoto no tame ni mainichi hayaku okimasu ga, shūmatsu wa yukkuri okimasu. - I wake up early every day for work, but I wake up slowly on weekends.).

「最近、寝不足でなかなかおきれません。」

Translation: Lately, I've been sleep-deprived and can't seem to wake up easily.
Health and Wellness Discussions
In discussions about health, sleep habits, or productivity, 「おきます」 is relevant. For instance, someone might talk about the benefits of waking up early: 「早起きは健康に良いと言われています。」 (Hayaoki wa kenkō ni yoi to iwarete imasu. - Waking up early is said to be good for health.).

「昨晩はあまり眠れなかったので、今朝はなかなかおきませんでした。」

Translation: I didn't sleep much last night, so I didn't wake up easily this morning.
Practical Use
When making plans with Japanese speakers, you might hear them ask, 「何時に起きますか？それによって行動を決めましょう。」 (Nan-ji ni okimasu ka? Sore ni yotte kōdō o kimemashō. - What time do you wake up? Let's decide our actions based on that.). This shows its practical importance in coordinating activities.
Avoiding Pitfalls with 「おきます」
Confusing with 「おく」 (oku)
A very common mistake for beginners is confusing 「おきます」 (okimasu - to wake up) with 「おく」 (oku - to put, to place). They sound similar but have completely different meanings and uses. 「おく」 is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. For example, 「本をテーブルの上に置きます」 (Hon o tēburu no ue ni okimasu - I put the book on the table). Always remember that 「おきます」 is about waking up, and 「おく」 is about placing something.

Incorrect: 私は朝、早くおく。

Incorrect: I put early in the morning.
Using the Wrong Verb Form
Like any verb, 「おきます」 has different forms (plain, polite, past, negative, etc.). Using the wrong form can lead to awkward or incorrect sentences. For instance, using the plain form 「おきる」 (okiru) in a formal conversation with someone you don't know well would be inappropriate. Always consider the context and your audience when choosing the verb form.

Incorrect: 私は毎日、6時おきる。

Incorrect: I wake up at 6 every day. (Using plain form in a context that might require polite form).
Overusing 「おきます」 for 'Getting Up'
While 「おきます」 can mean 'to get up' (from bed), sometimes a more specific verb might be better depending on the nuance. If you want to emphasize the act of physically getting out of bed, especially if it's difficult, 「起き上がる」 (okiagaru - to get up, to rise) might be more precise. However, for general purposes, 「おきます」 is perfectly acceptable for 'getting up'.

Incorrect: 彼は病気で、ベッドからおきませんでした。

Incorrect: He was sick and didn't wake up from the bed. (While understandable, 「起き上がれませんでした」 (okiagaremasen deshita - couldn't get up) is more specific here).
Misinterpreting Context
Sometimes, the meaning of 「おきます」 can be influenced by context. For example, 「夜更かしして、朝起きられなかった」 (Yofukashi shite, asa okirarenakatta - I stayed up late and couldn't wake up in the morning). The verb 「起きる」 (okiru) can also mean 'to happen' or 'to occur', but in the context of waking up, it's clearly about the act of waking. Be mindful of the surrounding words to correctly interpret the meaning.

Incorrect: 毎朝、私は6時におきました。

Incorrect: Every morning, I woke up at 6 o'clock. (If it's a habitual action happening now, present tense 「おきます」 is needed, not past tense 「おきました」).
Exploring Alternatives to 「おきます」
「起きる」 (okiru) vs. 「おきます」 (okimasu)
This is the most fundamental comparison. 「おきます」 is the polite '-masu' form of the verb 「おきる」 (okiru). 「おきる」 is the plain, dictionary form. You use 「おきます」 in polite situations, when speaking to superiors, elders, or people you don't know well. You use 「おきる」 in informal settings, with close friends, family, or when writing in a diary. For example, 「朝、早く起きます」 (Asa, hayaku okimasu) is polite, while 「朝、早く起きる」 (Asa, hayaku okiru) is informal.

Polite: 私は7時におきます。

Informal: 僕は7時におきる。
「起床する」 (kishō suru)
This is a more formal and sometimes written term for 'to wake up' or 'to get up'. It's often used in official documents, news reports, or when discussing military or institutional routines. For example, 「起床時刻は午前6時です」 (Kishō jikoku wa gozen roku-ji desu) means 'The wake-up time is 6 AM'. You wouldn't typically use this in casual conversation.

Formal: 本日の起床は5時でした。

Translation: Today's wake-up was at 5 AM.
「目覚める」 (mezameru)
This verb is often used poetically or to describe waking up from a deep sleep, or even metaphorically, like 'awakening' to a new reality. It can also refer to the alarm clock 'waking' you up. For example, 「アラームで目が覚めた」 (arāmu de me ga sameta) means 'I woke up to the alarm'. While 「おきます」 is about the action of waking up, 「目覚める」 can describe the state of being awakened or the process of becoming conscious.

詩的: 静かな朝に、鳥の声で目覚めた。

Translation: On a quiet morning, I awoke to the sound of birds.
「起き上がる」 (okiagaru)
As mentioned, this verb specifically means 'to get up' or 'to rise', often from a lying or sitting position. It's more about the physical act of moving from a resting posture to an upright one. 「おきます」 can imply this, but 「起き上がる」 makes it explicit. For instance, 「病気でなかなか起き上がれない」 (Byōki de nakanaka okiagarenai) means 'I can't easily get up because I'm sick.'

Physical Action: 彼はゆっくりと起き上がった。

Translation: He slowly got up.
「眠る」 (nemuru) / 「寝る」 (neru)
These are the verbs for 'to sleep'. 「眠る」 is more general, while 「寝る」 specifically means 'to lie down to sleep' or 'to sleep in bed'. Understanding these is crucial as 「おきます」 is the direct opposite action. For example, 「夜は早く寝ます」 (Yoru wa hayaku nemasu - I sleep early at night), and 「朝、起きます」 (Asa, okimasu - I wake up in the morning).
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Examples by Level

1

朝、起きます。

Morning, wake up.

Simple statement of waking up.

2

7時に起きます。

7 o'clock, wake up.

Using time with 'ni' particle.

3

今日、起きます。

Today, wake up.

Basic sentence with 'today'.

4

すぐ起きます。

Immediately, wake up.

Adverb 'immediately'.

5

起きますか？

Wake up?

Simple question form.

6

はい、起きます。

Yes, wake up.

Affirmative answer.

7

いいえ、起きません。

No, not wake up.

Negative form of the verb.

8

ゆっくり起きます。

Slowly, wake up.

Adverb 'slowly'.

1

毎朝、6時に起きます。

Every morning, 6 o'clock, wake up.

Using frequency adverb 'every morning'.

2

週末は遅く起きます。

Weekend, late, wake up.

Expressing different waking times on weekends.

3

子供が起きました。

Child, woke up.

Past tense of the verb.

4

今日は早く起きたいです。

Today, early, want to wake up.

Using 'tai' form (want to do).

5

アラームが鳴って、起きました。

Alarm, rang, woke up.

Connecting two clauses with '-te' form.

6

まだ起きていません。

Still, not woken up.

Negative continuous form (not yet woken up).

7

何時に起きますか？

What time, wake up?

Asking about waking time.

8

母は私より早く起きます。

Mother, me, earlier, wake up.

Comparison using 'yori'.

1

毎朝、起きてすぐに顔を洗います。

Every morning, wake up, immediately, face, wash.

Using '-te' form to connect sequential actions.

2

寝坊して、会議に遅刻しそうになった。

Overslept, meeting, be late, almost.

Implied inability to wake up on time ('nemubō shite' - oversleeping).

3

最近、睡眠不足でなかなか起きられない。

Recently, lack of sleep, not easily, cannot wake up.

Using potential negative form 'okirarenai'.

4

明日は早いので、いつもより1時間早く起きるつもりです。

Tomorrow, early, so, usual, 1 hour, earlier, wake up, intend to.

Using 'tsumori desu' (intend to) with the plain form.

5

彼が起きたら、すぐに連絡してください。

He, wakes up, if, immediately, contact, please.

Using conditional clause with plain form.

6

昔は早起きが得意だったが、今は難しい。

In the past, early rising, good at, was, but, now, difficult.

Describing past ability and current difficulty.

7

目覚まし時計が鳴っても、しばらく起きなかった。

Alarm clock, rang, even if, for a while, did not wake up.

Using negative past tense with a concessive clause.

8

健康のために、規則正しい生活を心がけ、早寝早起きをしています。

For health, regular life, try to maintain, early sleep, early wake up, am doing.

Discussing lifestyle choices related to waking.

1

長年の不規則な生活習慣がたたって、最近は朝なかなか起きられない。

Many years, irregular lifestyle, consequences, recently, morning, not easily, cannot wake up.

Using idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structure.

2

「起床時刻を厳守してください。」と指示があった。

'Wake-up time, strictly adhere, please.' as instruction, there was.

Using the formal term 'kishō jikoku' and passive voice.

3

疲労困憊で、目覚まし時計が何度鳴っても起きる気になれなかった。

Exhausted, alarm clock, how many times, rang, even if, wake up, feeling, could not become.

Complex negation and expressing lack of will.

4

彼は、その日の出来事によって、普段より早く起きることもあれば、遅くまで寝ていることもある。

He, that day's events, depending on, usually, earlier, wake up, sometimes, later, until sleep, sometimes is.

Expressing variability and possibility.

5

この地域では、早朝から活動する人々が多く、静かに起きることが求められる。

This region, from early morning, working, people, many, quietly, wake up, is required.

Discussing community norms and expectations.

6

体調が優れないため、無理に起き上がろうとせず、しばらく様子を見ることにした。

Physical condition, not good, therefore, forcing, try to get up, without, for a while, condition, see, decided to.

Using 'muri ni' (forcefully) with 'okiagaru'.

7

彼女は、長年の夢が叶ったことで、まるで別人のように生き生きと起きるようになった。

Her, long-held dream, came true, because of, as if, different person, vibrantly, wake up, came to.

Metaphorical use of 'okiru' to describe a change in spirit.

8

「起床の合図があったら、速やかに準備に取り掛かってください。」

'Wake-up signal, if there is, promptly, preparations, start, please.'

Formal imperative with 'kishō no aizu'.

1

日々のルーチンに追われ、本来の自分を見失いかけていたが、ある出来事を機に、精神的に目覚めることができた。

Daily routine, chased by, original self, lose sight of, almost, but, a certain event, as a trigger, mentally, awaken, was able to.

Metaphorical use of 'mezameru' for spiritual awakening.

2

彼の作品には、単に現実世界から目を覚ますだけでなく、内なる葛藤からの解放を希求するメッセージが込められている。

His works, simply, real world, from, eyes open, not only, inner conflict, from, release, seek, message, is contained.

Abstract use of 'me o samasu' (open eyes) and 'kikyū' (seek).

3

旧態依然とした組織文化では、革新的なアイデアが生まれても、それを形にするための「起き上がり」は期待できない。

Old-fashioned, organizational culture, in, innovative ideas, are born, even if, them, shape, to do, 'getting up' (action), cannot be expected.

Figurative use of 'okiagari' to mean taking action or initiative.

4

多くの人が、単に眠りから覚めるだけでなく、日々の生活に新たな意味を見出す「目覚め」を求めている。

Many people, simply, from sleep, wake up, not only, daily life, new meaning, find, 'awakening', are seeking.

Philosophical use of 'mezame' (awakening).

5

そのニュースを聞いて、多くの国民が長年続いていた幻想から一斉に目を覚ました。

That news, heard, many citizens, long years, continuing, illusion, from, all at once, eyes opened.

Collective 'me o samasu' to signify a shared realization.

6

彼のスピーチは、聴衆を単に目覚めさせるだけでなく、行動を促す力強いメッセージだった。

His speech, audience, simply, awaken, not only, action, prompt, powerful message, was.

Using 'mezameru' for inspiration and motivation.

7

現代社会においては、受動的に眠り続けるのではなく、主体的に「起き上がり」、自己実現を目指すことが重要視されている。

Modern society, in, passively, continue sleeping, not, actively, 'get up', self-realization, aim for, is being emphasized.

Emphasizing proactive action and self-fulfillment.

8

「起床」という言葉には、単なる物理的な覚醒以上の、精神的な再生のニュアンスが含まれることがある。

'Wake up' (formal), this word, contains, simple physical awakening, beyond, spiritual rebirth, nuance, may be included.

Exploring deeper connotations of 'kishō'.

1

彼は、長年抱えていた無気力という名の深い眠りから、ついに精神的な覚醒を遂げた。

He, for many years, harbored, apathy, called, deep sleep, from, finally, spiritual awakening, achieved.

Highly metaphorical and sophisticated use of 'kakusei' (awakening).

2

その芸術作品は、観る者の内なる眠れる巨人を呼び覚まし、潜在能力の解放を促す。

That artwork, viewers, inner, sleeping giant, awakens, potential, release, promotes.

Using 'yobisamasu' (to awaken) in a powerful, evocative manner.

3

社会全体が、既成概念という名の濃い眠りから目覚め、新たなパラダイムへの移行を模索すべき時である。

Society, as a whole, established notions, called, thick sleep, from, wake up, new paradigm, to, transition, should explore, time is.

Societal 'awakening' from ingrained ways of thinking.

4

彼の言葉は、惰眠をむさぼっていた人々に警鐘を鳴らし、彼らを現実へと引き戻す触媒となった。

His words, lethargic sleep, indulging, people, alarm bell, rang, them, reality, back, catalyst, became.

Using 'damin' (lethargic sleep) and 'keishō o narasu' (ring an alarm bell).

5

この文学作品における「目覚め」は、単なる物理的な覚醒ではなく、自己認識の深化と存在意義の再発見を意味する。

This literary work, in, 'awakening', is, simple physical awakening, not, self-awareness, deepening, and, meaning of existence, rediscovery, means.

Analyzing the multifaceted meaning of 'mezame' in literature.

6

「起床」という行為は、単に夜の休息からの解放であると同時に、新たな一日への積極的なコミットメントの表明でもある。

'Wake up' (formal), this act, is, simply, night's rest, from, liberation, at the same time, new day, to, active commitment, expression, also is.

Deconstructing the dual meaning of 'kishō'.

7

彼女は、長年の受動的な人生に終止符を打ち、自らの意思で「起き上がり」、新たな道を切り拓いた。

She, many years, passive life, put an end to, her own will, 'get up', new path, carved out.

Emphasizing agency and self-determination through 'okiagaru'.

8

この哲学的な問いは、我々が長年慣れ親しんだ「眠り」から目覚めさせ、存在の根源について深く思索することを促す。

This philosophical question, us, long years, familiar with, 'sleep', from, awaken, and, existence's root, about, deeply contemplate, to, prompts.

Provoking deep contemplation and challenging ingrained assumptions.

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