Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we are learning about '週' (shū). This word helps us talk about weeks. A week has 7 days. You can say 'one week' using '一週' (isshū). You can say 'two weeks' using '二週' (nishū). It's like counting days, but in bigger groups! You will see this word when people talk about plans for the week or how long something takes.
The Japanese suffix '週' (shū) is used to count or refer to weeks. A week is a period of seven days. When you want to say 'one week', you say '一週' (isshū). For 'two weeks', it's '二週' (nishū). This suffix is very common when discussing schedules, holidays, or the duration of activities. For example, '来週' (raishū) means 'next week', and '先週' (senshū) means 'last week'. Understanding '週' is key to talking about time in Japanese.
The Japanese counter '週' (shū) is essential for discussing time periods of seven days. It's typically combined with numbers to specify a duration or a particular week. For instance, '三週' (sanshū) translates to 'three weeks'. You'll often encounter it in phrases like '毎週' (maishū), meaning 'every week', indicating regularity. When you want to talk about the entirety of a week-long period, you might see '週間' (shūkan), such as in '一週間' (isshūkan) for 'one week'. This distinction helps convey nuance about duration versus a point in time.
The Japanese suffix '週' (shū) serves as a crucial temporal counter, denoting periods of seven days. Its usage is fundamental in constructing time-related expressions. For example, '来週' (raishū) and '先週' (senshū) are standard terms for 'next week' and 'last week', respectively. The distinction between '週' and '週間' (shūkan) is noteworthy; while both relate to weeks, '週間' often emphasizes the duration or span of time. For instance, '一週' (isshū) might refer to a specific week, whereas '一週間' (isshūkan) more strongly implies the full seven-day period. Mastering these nuances is key to precise temporal communication.
The Japanese counter '週' (shū) is a fundamental element in temporal quantification, signifying a seven-day cycle. Its integration into expressions like '来週' (raishū), '先週' (senshū), and '毎週' (maishū) establishes temporal reference points and frequency. A more nuanced aspect is the variation between '週' and '週間' (shūkan). While '週' can denote a specific week (e.g., '第3週' - the third week), '週間' often emphasizes the duration or the entirety of the period (e.g., '一週間' - a full week). This distinction allows for precise communication regarding temporal spans, distinguishing between a simple reference to a week and the experience or duration of a full week. Understanding this allows for more sophisticated temporal expressions.
The Japanese temporal counter '週' (shū) represents a seven-day unit, deeply embedded in the language's structure for temporal reference and quantification. Its etymological roots in Chinese, combined with the character's components suggesting cycles and movement, underscore its significance in marking recurring temporal segments. The subtle yet crucial differentiation between '週' and '週間' (shūkan) highlights the language's capacity for expressing temporal precision. While '週' can function as a direct counter for specific weeks (e.g., '第5週' - the fifth week), '週間' typically emphasizes the complete duration or span of a week (e.g., '二週間' - a two-week period). This linguistic feature allows native speakers to convey not just the occurrence of a week but also the subjective experience of its passage or extent. Mastery involves recognizing these nuances in literary, academic, and everyday contexts, understanding how they shape temporal discourse and reflect cultural perceptions of time.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The Japanese character '週' (shū) means 'week'.
- It's used as a suffix or counter, often combined with numbers (e.g., 一週 - isshū - one week).
- Common temporal adverbs like 来週 (raishū - next week) and 先週 (senshū - last week) use this character.
- The related term '週間' (shūkan) often emphasizes the duration of a week.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese suffix '週' (shū). It's a super handy little character that means 'week'. Think of it like a building block you add after numbers to talk about how long something takes or which week you're referring to. For example, if you want to say 'one week', you'd say 一週 (isshū). Pretty neat, right? It helps us measure time in chunks of seven days, making it easier to plan things or talk about past events.
We use '週' all the time in daily life in Japan. Whether you're talking about a school term, a vacation, or just how long you've been doing something, '週' is your go-to for talking about weeks. It’s a fundamental part of how Japanese speakers count and discuss time, so getting a handle on it will really boost your understanding!
The character 週 itself comes from Chinese, where it has a similar meaning related to weeks or cycles. The character is composed of two parts: the 'radical' ⻌ (chuí), which often relates to walking or movement, and the phonetic component 周 (zhōu), which means 'circumference' or 'cycle'. This combination hints at the cyclical nature of a week, a recurring period of seven days.
Historically, the concept of a seven-day week gained prominence through various cultural and religious influences, eventually becoming standardized. In Japan, the adoption of this character and its usage for counting weeks is part of its broader integration of Chinese writing systems and concepts. It's fascinating how a single character can encapsulate such a fundamental unit of time that we all share!
Using '週' is quite straightforward! You typically place a number before it to indicate the quantity of weeks. For instance, 二週 (nishū) means 'two weeks', and 三週 (sanshū) means 'three weeks'. It's often used in contexts like planning events, discussing work schedules, or talking about the duration of a project.
You'll frequently hear it in phrases like 一週間の休み (isshūkan no yasumi), meaning 'a week's holiday', or 来週 (raishū), meaning 'next week'. Note that sometimes '間' (kan) is added, especially when emphasizing the duration, as in '一週間' (isshūkan). This distinction between just '週' and '週間' is subtle but important for fluency. '週' can also be used to refer to specific weeks, like '第3週' (dai san shū), meaning 'the third week'.
While '週' itself is more of a functional counter, it appears in many common expressions related to time. Here are a few:
- 来週 (raishū): This literally means 'coming week' and is the standard way to say 'next week'. Example: 来週、会議があります。(Raishū, kaigi ga arimasu.) - There is a meeting next week.
- 先週 (senshū): This means 'last week' or 'previous week'. Example: 先週、友達に会いました。(Senshū, tomodachi ni aimashita.) - I met a friend last week.
- 毎週 (maishū): This means 'every week' or 'weekly'. Example: 毎週、公園を散歩します。(Maishū, kōen o sanpo shimasu.) - I walk in the park every week.
- 一週 (isshū): While it means 'one week', it's often used in phrases like '一週する' (isshū suru) meaning 'to do something for a week'. Example: この仕事は一週する予定です。(Kono shigoto wa isshū suru yotei desu.) - This job is scheduled for one week.
- 週明け (shūake): This refers to the beginning of the week, typically Monday. Example: 週明けに連絡します。(Shūake ni renraku shimasu.) - I will contact you at the beginning of the week.
- 週刊誌 (shūkan-shi): This is a 'weekly magazine'. Example: 毎週、週刊誌を読みます。(Maishū, shūkan-shi o yomimasu.) - I read a weekly magazine every week.
Pronouncing '週' is relatively simple. In Japanese, it's pronounced 'shū', with a long 'u' sound. Think of saying 'shoe' but holding the 'oo' sound a little longer. The 'sh' sound is like the 'sh' in 'ship', and the 'ū' is like the 'oo' in 'moon'.
Grammatically, '週' functions as a counter. You combine it with numbers. For example, '1 week' is '一週' (isshū), '2 weeks' is '二週' (nishū), '3 weeks' is '三週' (sanshū), and so on. Sometimes, especially when emphasizing the duration, '間' (kan) is added, forming '週間' (shūkan). So, 'one week' can be '一週' (isshū) or '一週間' (isshūkan), with the latter often implying a period of time more strongly. It doesn't change form for plurals as it's a counter.
Fun Fact
The character 週 is composed of the 'walk' radical (⻌) and the phonetic component 周 (zhōu), which originally meant 'circumference' or 'cycle'. This reflects the cyclical, recurring nature of a week.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'shoo' with a slightly longer 'oo' sound than in English 'shoe'.
Identical to UK pronunciation: 'shoo' with an extended 'oo' vowel.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'ū' sound too short, making it sound like 'shu' instead of 'shū'.
- Adding an unnecessary 'h' sound after the 'sh', making it sound like 'sh-hu'.
- Confusing the pronunciation with similar-sounding words if not paying attention to the long vowel.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read when combined with numbers or common temporal adverbs.
Straightforward to use as a suffix or in common phrases.
Pronunciation is simple, and common phrases are frequently used.
Easily recognizable in spoken Japanese, especially in common temporal expressions.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Japanese Counter Words
一週 (isshū - one week), 二冊 (nisatsu - two volumes)
Temporal Adverbs
来週 (raishū - next week), 昨日 (kinō - yesterday)
Using '～後' (go - after)
三週後 (sanshūgo - three weeks later)
Examples by Level
一週、勉強します。
one week study will do
一週 (isshū) means 'one week'.
来週、遊ぼう！
next week let's play
来週 (raishū) means 'next week'.
先週、楽しかった。
last week was fun
先週 (senshū) means 'last week'.
これは二週かかります。
this takes two weeks
二週 (nishū) means 'two weeks'.
毎週、本を読みます。
every week book read will do
毎週 (maishū) means 'every week'.
一週間、休みです。
one week holiday is
一週間 (isshūkan) emphasizes the duration of one week.
三週後、旅行します。
three weeks later travel will do
三週後 (sanshūgo) means 'three weeks later'.
この週は忙しいです。
this week is busy
この週 (kono shū) means 'this week'.
来週の月曜日に会議があります。
next week's Monday on meeting will exist
来週 (raishū) specifies 'next week'.
先週の金曜日は雨でした。
last week's Friday was rainy
先週 (senshū) indicates 'last week'.
このプロジェクトはあと二週間かかります。
this project from now two weeks will take
二週間 (nishūkan) emphasizes the duration of two weeks.
毎週土曜日に映画を見ます。
every week Saturday on movie watch will do
毎週 (maishū) means 'every week'.
一週間の休暇を取りました。
one week holiday took
一週間 (isshūkan) denotes a full week's duration.
来週から新しいクラスが始まります。
next week from new class will start
来週から (raishū kara) means 'from next week'.
先週、新しい本を買いました。
last week new book bought
先週 (senshū) refers to the previous week.
この仕事は三週で終わります。
this work three weeks in will finish
三週 (sanshū) indicates three weeks.
来週の会議では、新しい企画について話し合います。
next week's meeting in, new plan about will discuss
来週 (raishū) is used to refer to the upcoming week.
先週、友人の結婚式に出席しました。
last week, friend's wedding ceremony attended
先週 (senshū) clearly denotes the preceding week.
この研修プログラムは合計で四週間かかります。
this training program total in four weeks will take
四週間 (yoshūkan) emphasizes the total duration of four weeks.
毎週、ジムでトレーニングをしています。
every week, gym at training doing
毎週 (maishū) indicates a recurring weekly event.
夏休みは一週間の予定です。
summer vacation one week schedule is
一週間 (isshūkan) specifies the duration of the vacation.
来週の月曜日が締め切りなので、急いでいます。
next week's Monday is deadline so, hurrying am
来週の月曜日 (raishū no getsuyōbi) pinpoints a specific day next week.
先週の出来事について、詳しく報告してください。
last week's events about, in detail report please do
先週の出来事 (senshū no dekigoto) refers to events of the past week.
この小説は全五週にわたって連載されます。
this novel entirely five weeks over will be serialized
五週 (goshū) indicates the span of five weeks for serialization.
来週の株主総会に向けて、資料の最終確認を行っています。
next week's shareholders' meeting towards, materials' final confirmation carrying out
来週 (raishū) sets the temporal context for the meeting.
先週発生したシステム障害の原因究明が急務となっています。
last week occurred system failure's cause investigation urgent task has become
先週 (senshū) precisely locates the incident in the past.
この長期インターンシップは合計で十二週間の予定です。
this long-term internship total in twelve weeks schedule is
十二週間 (jūni-shūkan) denotes the full duration of the internship.
毎週、地域の清掃活動に参加しています。
every week, local cleanup activities participating
毎週 (maishū) signifies the regularity of the volunteer activity.
新しいプロジェクトの立ち上げ準備に、約三週間を要しました。
new project's launch preparation for, approximately three weeks needed
三週間 (san-shūkan) quantifies the time spent on preparation.
来週から始まるキャンペーンの告知ポスターが完成しました。
next week from starting campaign's announcement poster completed
来週から始まる (raishū kara hajimaru) indicates the start time of the campaign.
先週の講演会は、多くの聴衆を集め盛況のうちに幕を閉じました。
last week's lecture meeting many audience gathered successfully closed
先週の講演会 (senshū no kōenkai) refers to the lecture held in the past week.
このドラマシリーズは、全八週にわたって放送される予定です。
this drama series entirely eight weeks over will be broadcast
全八週 (zen hasshū) signifies the complete duration of the broadcast.
来週予定されている国際会議では、気候変動対策に関する最新の研究成果が発表される見込みです。
next week scheduled international conference in, climate change countermeasures regarding latest research findings will be announced expected
来週予定されている (raishū yotei sarete iru) precisely frames the upcoming conference.
先週の地方選挙の結果は、今後の政局に少なからぬ影響を与えると考えられています。
last week's local election results, future political situation on not small influence will give believed
先週の地方選挙 (senshū no chihō senkyo) specifies the temporal context of the election.
この集中的な語学プログラムは、一日おきに開催され、合計で六週間のカリキュラムとなっています。
this intensive language program, every other day held, total in six weeks' curriculum has become
六週間 (roppūkan) denotes the full duration of the intensive curriculum.
彼女は毎週、ボランティア活動を通じて地域社会への貢献を続けている。
she every week, volunteer activities through local community towards contribution continues
毎週 (maishū) highlights the consistent, ongoing nature of her contribution.
新規事業の立ち上げに伴うリスク評価には、最低でも四週間の綿密な分析が必要となるだろう。
new business's launch accompanying risk assessment for, minimum four weeks' meticulous analysis will be necessary
四週間 (yon-shūkan) specifies the minimum time required for analysis.
来週から導入される新しい人事評価システムに関する説明会が、各部署で開催される。
next week from introduced new personnel evaluation system regarding briefing sessions, each department in will be held
来週から導入される (raishū kara dōnyū sareru) indicates the implementation timeline.
先週の株価急落の要因については、専門家の間でも意見が分かれている。
last week's stock price sharp fall's causes regarding, among experts also opinions divided
先週の株価急落 (senshū no kabuka kyūraku) identifies the event's timing.
この歴史ドキュメンタリーは、全十週にわたり、古代文明の興亡を壮大に描き出す。
this historical documentary entirely ten weeks over, ancient civilizations' rise and fall grandly depicts
全十週 (zen jisshū) frames the documentary's comprehensive scope.
来週開催される国際シンポジウムでは、AI倫理に関する最先端の研究動向が網羅的に議論される予定です。
next week to be held international symposium in, AI ethics regarding cutting-edge research trends comprehensively will be discussed
来週開催される (raishū kaisai sareru) precisely situates the symposium in the immediate future.
先週発表された経済指標は、景気後退の兆候を強く示唆しており、市場関係者の間で動揺が広がっています。
last week announced economic indicators, economic recession's signs strongly suggest, market participants among unease has spread
先週発表された (senshū happyō sareta) anchors the data release in the past week.
この芸術祭は、隔週で異なるテーマを設け、合計で二十週にわたる長大な文化的イベントとなっています。
this art festival, every other week different themes established, total in twenty weeks spanning lengthy cultural event has become
二十週にわたる (nijū-shūkan ni wataru) emphasizes the extensive duration of the festival.
彼女は、毎週欠かさず、地域の歴史的建造物の保存活動に献身的に取り組んでいる。
she, every week without fail, local historical buildings' preservation activities dedicatedly works on
毎週欠かさず (maishū kakasazu) underscores the unwavering regularity of her commitment.
新規医薬品の開発プロセスにおいては、治験開始から承認まで、最低でも五年、場合によっては十週間の追加試験が必要となる。
new drug's development process in, clinical trials start from approval until, minimum five years, depending on case ten weeks' additional trials will be necessary
十週間の追加試験 (jū-shūkan no tsuika shiken) specifies a critical, albeit potentially lengthy, testing phase.
来週から施行される新たな環境規制は、産業界全体に広範な影響を及ぼすことが予想される。
next week from to be enforced new environmental regulations, industrial world entire to wide-ranging impact will exert expected
来週から施行される (raishū kara shikō sareru) marks the definitive commencement of the regulations.
先週の世論調査結果は、次期政権の行方を占う上で極めて重要な示唆を含んでいる。
last week's public opinion poll results, next administration's future for, extremely important implications contain
先週の世論調査結果 (senshū no yoron chōsa kekka) provides a temporal anchor for the political analysis.
この古典文学シリーズは、全十五週にわたり、各巻の深遠な哲学的テーマを紐解いていく。
this classical literature series entirely fifteen weeks over, each volume's profound philosophical themes unravels
全十五週 (zen jūgo-shū) defines the comprehensive duration of the literary exploration.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"週に一度 (shū ni ichido)"
Once a week.
週に一度、祖母の家を訪ねます。
neutral"週に数回 (shū ni sūkai)"
Several times a week.
週に数回、運動を心がけています。
neutral"週の半ば (shū no nakaba)"
Mid-week.
週の半ばはいつも忙しいです。
neutral"一週間の集大成 (isshūkan no shūtaisei)"
The culmination of a week's work/effort.
金曜日のプレゼンは、一週間の集大成でした。
formal"週をまたぐ (shū o matagu)"
To span across weeks; to go into the next week.
このプロジェクトは来週まで週をまたいでしまいます。
neutral"週刊ペース (shūkan pēsu)"
Weekly pace.
彼は週刊ペースで執筆活動を続けている。
neutralWord Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Common Mistakes
'週' often refers to a specific week or as a suffix, while '週間' specifically denotes a period or duration of time. For example, '一週' might mean 'this week', but '一週間' means 'for one week'.
'来週' means the week that is coming, while '今週' means the current week. It's a common mix-up for learners.
While '週' is the counter, numbers sometimes change pronunciation when combined (e.g., '一週' is 'isshū', not 'ichi-shū').
'週' refers to the entire seven-day period, not individual days.
While '週間' is common for duration, simply using '週' is often sufficient and sometimes preferred depending on the nuance.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Shu' sounding like 'shoe'. Imagine wearing a new shoe for exactly one week, and then getting a new pair the next week – it helps you remember the 'week' connection!
Visual Association
Picture a calendar with the days of the week clearly marked, and then circle the entire block of 7 days, labeling it '週'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your last week and your plans for next week using '先週' and '来週'.
Word Origin
Chinese
Original meaning: Cycle, circumference, week
Cultural Context
No particular cultural sensitivity is associated with the word '週' itself.
In English-speaking cultures, 'week' is a fundamental unit of time used for planning, work schedules, and social events, much like in Japan. The concept of a 7-day week is globally recognized.
Test Yourself
私は ___ 日本語を勉強します。
'毎週' (maishū) means 'every week', which fits the context of continuous study.
What does '先週' (senshū) mean?
'先週' specifically refers to the week that has just passed.
'来週' (raishū) means 'last week'.
'来週' means 'next week'. '先週' (senshū) means 'last week'.
Word
Meaning
Matching these terms helps understand their specific meanings and uses.
The correct order is '来週は月曜日会議です' (Raishū wa getsuyōbi kaigi desu), meaning 'Next week is Monday meeting'.
このプロジェクトは完了までに約 ___ かかります。
'一週間' (isshūkan) is used to express duration, 'one week'.
Which phrase best describes a recurring event happening every week?
'毎週' (maishū) directly translates to 'every week', indicating recurrence.
In Japanese, '週' and '週間' are always interchangeable when referring to time periods.
'週間' often emphasizes duration, while '週' can refer to a specific week or act as a simple counter. Context matters.
その報告書は ___ 提出しなければなりません。
'週明け' (shūake) means 'beginning of the week', fitting a deadline context.
Create a sentence using '先週' and discussing an event.
This tests the ability to correctly place '先週' and form a grammatically sound sentence.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering '週' and its common expressions is crucial for navigating time-related conversations in Japanese.
- The Japanese character '週' (shū) means 'week'.
- It's used as a suffix or counter, often combined with numbers (e.g., 一週 - isshū - one week).
- Common temporal adverbs like 来週 (raishū - next week) and 先週 (senshū - last week) use this character.
- The related term '週間' (shūkan) often emphasizes the duration of a week.
Related Content
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.
