Explanation at your level:
Hello! なんじ (nanji) is a Japanese word that means 'what time?'. It's like asking 'What's the time?' in English. You use it when you want to know what time it is right now. For example, you can say なんじですか (nanji desu ka?). This is a very simple and useful phrase for beginners. It helps you understand schedules and talk about daily routines. Just remember, it's all about asking for the hour!
なんじ (nanji) is a fundamental Japanese phrase used to ask 'what time?'. It's composed of 'nan' (what) and 'ji' (hour), literally meaning 'what hour?'. The most common way to use it is in the question なんじですか (nanji desu ka?), which politely asks 'What time is it?'. You'll use this frequently in everyday situations, like when meeting friends, planning activities, or checking train schedules. Understanding and using this phrase is a key step in basic Japanese conversation.
なんじ (nanji) is the standard Japanese interrogative phrase for asking about the time, translating to 'what hour?' or 'what time?'. Its most common form is なんじですか (nanji desu ka?), a polite way to inquire about the current time. It's essential for managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and understanding daily routines. You might also hear variations like いま なんじ ですか (ima nanji desu ka?), meaning 'What time is it now?'. Mastering this phrase allows for smoother daily interactions in Japan.
The Japanese phrase なんじ (nanji) serves as the direct interrogative for inquiring about the hour of the day. Its literal translation, 'what hour?', highlights its specific focus. The standard polite form is なんじですか (nanji desu ka?). While direct, its usage can be nuanced by context and tone. For instance, dropping ですか (desu ka) renders it informal. Understanding なんじ (nanji) is crucial for practical communication, enabling effective scheduling and time-related discussions in various social and professional settings.
なんじ (nanji) is the core Japanese interrogative phrase for ascertaining the time, literally translating to 'what hour?'. While its function is straightforward, its application extends beyond mere time-telling. The polite form, なんじですか (nanji desu ka?), is ubiquitous in daily interactions. In more advanced contexts, understanding its grammatical role as an interrogative noun phrase and its potential for subtle variations in formality (e.g., omitting ですか) is important. It forms the bedrock for discussing temporal arrangements, from casual meetups to formal appointments.
The Japanese phrase なんじ (nanji), meaning 'what hour?', represents a fundamental interrogative construction. Its etymological roots lie in the combination of 'nan' (what) and 'ji' (hour), reflecting a logical and concise linguistic structure. While なんじですか (nanji desu ka?) is the standard polite inquiry, a deeper understanding involves recognizing its grammatical function as an interrogative noun phrase and its position within broader temporal discourse. Mastery includes appreciating its nuances in register and its role in structuring conversations around time-sensitive events, demonstrating a sophisticated grasp of Japanese pragmatics.
Word in 30 Seconds
- なんじ (nanji) means 'what hour?' or 'what time?'.
- It's used to ask about the time of day.
- The standard polite question is 'なんじですか' (nanji desu ka?).
- It's a fundamental phrase for daily communication in Japanese.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese phrase なんじ (nanji). It's your go-to when you need to know the time, like asking 'What time is it?' in English. Think of it as a friendly way to get information about the clock. It's formed by combining 'nan' (what) and 'ji' (hour), so literally, it means 'what hour?' How cool is that? You'll hear this all the time in Japan, whether you're asking a friend, a shopkeeper, or even a train conductor. It’s a fundamental piece of Japanese conversation that opens up a lot of communication possibilities.
Understanding なんじ (nanji) is key to navigating daily life in Japan. It’s not just about asking for the time; it’s about showing you’re engaged and can participate in basic interactions. When someone asks you なんじですか (nanji desu ka?), they're politely inquiring about the time. Responding with the correct time in Japanese, using numbers followed by 'ji' (for hours) and 'fun' or 'pun' (for minutes), is a great way to practice your Japanese skills. So, remember this phrase – it’s a little word that packs a big punch in communication!
The word なんじ (nanji) has a fascinating origin rooted in the Japanese language itself. It's a compound phrase, beautifully illustrating how Japanese often builds meaning by combining simpler elements. The first part, 'nan' (何), means 'what'. This is a very common interrogative pronoun found across many contexts in Japanese. The second part, 'ji' (時), means 'hour' or 'time'. This character, 時, has a long history, originating from Chinese characters (hanzi) that depicted a sun moving across the sky, symbolizing the passage of time.
So, when you put 'nan' and 'ji' together, you get 'what hour?', which is precisely what we use it for today. The phrase itself, in this interrogative form, has been in use for centuries, evolving alongside the Japanese calendar and timekeeping systems. Before the widespread adoption of standardized clocks, time was often measured by natural phenomena or traditional methods. However, as more precise timekeeping devices became common, the need for a direct question like なんじ (nanji) solidified its place in everyday language. It’s a testament to the efficiency and logic embedded within the Japanese lexicon, creating a clear and concise way to ask a universally important question.
なんじ (nanji) is primarily used as a question to inquire about the time. The most common way to ask is なんじですか (nanji desu ka?), which is a polite and standard way to ask 'What time is it?'. You can also use it in slightly more casual settings, like なんじ？ (nanji?) among close friends, though adding ですか (desu ka) is generally recommended for politeness.
It's important to note that なんじ (nanji) specifically asks about the *hour*. When you need to ask about the minutes, you'd use different phrasing. For example, to ask 'What time is it now?', you might say いま なんじ ですか (ima nanji desu ka?). When answering, you'll typically state the hour followed by 'ji' (時), like ごじ (goji) for 5 o'clock, or じゅうにじ (juuniji) for 12 o'clock. Combining なんじ (nanji) with other time-related words like 'ima' (now), 'kyou' (today), or 'ashita' (tomorrow) helps specify the context of your question.
The formality level is generally neutral to polite when used with ですか (desu ka). Dropping ですか (desu ka) makes it more casual. It's not typically used in highly formal written documents unless quoting a direct question. Think of it as a versatile tool for daily interactions, fitting perfectly into conversations about schedules, meetings, or just general curiosity about the time.
While なんじ (nanji) itself is a direct question and not typically part of idiomatic expressions, the concept of time is rich in Japanese idioms. Here are a few related expressions:
- ときふうび (toki wa, kane nari): Literally 'time is money'. This proverb emphasizes the importance of not wasting time, as it can be valuable. Example: 「会議に遅れるな、ときふうびだぞ！」(Kaigi ni okuruna, toki wa kane nari da zo! - Don't be late for the meeting, time is money!)
- じかんよ、とまれ (jikan yo, tomare): 'Time, stop!'. This is a phrase expressing a strong desire for a pleasant moment to last forever, often used in literature or dramatic contexts. Example: 「この美しい景色を見ていると、じかんよ、とまれと言いたくなる。」(Kono utsukushii keshiki o mite iru to, jikan yo, tomare to iitaku naru. - Looking at this beautiful scenery, I want to say 'Time, stop!')
- じかんがあまる (jikan ga amaru): 'To have time to spare'. This means having more time than needed for something. Example: 「今日の仕事は早く終わったので、じかんがあまった。」(Kyou no shigoto wa hayaku owatta node, jikan ga amatta. - Today's work finished early, so I had time to spare.)
- じかんがない (jikan ga nai): 'To have no time'. The direct opposite of the previous phrase, indicating a lack of time. Example: 「すみません、いま忙しいんです。じかんがないんです。」(Sumimasen, ima isogashii n desu. Jikan ga nai n desu. - Sorry, I'm busy right now. I don't have time.)
- じかんをうつす (jikan o utsusu): 'To transfer time' or 'to pass time'. This can refer to spending time doing something or, in a more figurative sense, passing time until a certain event. Example: 「暇なので、本を読んでじかんをうつしました。」(Hima na node, hon o yonde jikan o utsushimashita. - Since I was free, I passed the time by reading a book.)
While なんじ (nanji) is a practical tool, these expressions show the deeper cultural appreciation for the concept of time in Japanese.
なんじ (nanji) functions as an interrogative noun phrase. It's often followed by ですか (desu ka) to form a complete question: なんじですか (nanji desu ka?). The 'nan' (what) part is the interrogative, and 'ji' (hour) is the noun specifying what is being asked about.
Pronunciation:
- IPA (Japanese): /naꜜɲ.d͡ʑi/
- Breakdown: 'na' (nah) + 'n' (like the 'n' in 'ink') + 'ji' (jee, like 'jeep' but softer).
- Pitch Accent: The pitch typically falls on the 'ji' syllable. So, na-NJI.
- British English Approximation: 'nah-n-jee'
- American English Approximation: 'nah-n-jee'
- Common Errors: Learners might pronounce the 'n' too strongly or miss the slight palatalization of the 'ji' sound. Ensure the 'n' is light and connects smoothly to the 'ji'.
- Rhyming Words: Perfect rhymes are rare due to the specific 'n-ji' ending. However, words ending in '-ji' like 'meiji' (明治) or 'touji' (当時) share the final sound.
When answering, you'll use numbers followed by 'ji' for the hour. For example: いちじ (ichiji - 1 o'clock), にじ (niji - 2 o'clock), さんじ (sanji - 3 o'clock), etc. The structure is straightforward, making it easy to learn and use!
Fun Fact
The kanji for 'hour/time' (時) originally depicted the sun moving across the sky, symbolizing the passage of time.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'nah-n-jee', with a slight 'n' sound connecting 'nah' and 'jee'. The 'j' is soft.
Similar to UK, 'nah-n-jee'. The 'n' sound is important, and the 'ji' is pronounced like 'jee' but softer.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ji' too hard, like English 'gee'.
- Omitting the nasal 'n' sound between 'na' and 'ji'.
- Incorrect pitch accent, stressing the wrong syllable.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read as it's a short phrase.
Requires knowing numbers and the structure 'nanji desu ka'.
Relatively easy pronunciation, common phrase.
Commonly heard, usually clear context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Japanese Question Formation
Adding 'ka' (か) or 'desu ka' (ですか) at the end of a sentence makes it a question.
Counters for Time Units
The counter 'ji' (時) is used for hours. 'Nen' (年) for years, 'gatsu' (月) for months.
Particles に (ni) and から (kara)/まで (made)
'Ni' marks specific times (e.g., 5時に会う - meet at 5). 'Kara' marks the start time, 'made' marks the end time.
Examples by Level
なんじ ですか。
what hour is it?
Standard polite question form.
いま なんじ？
now what hour?
Casual question, dropping 'desu ka'.
ごじ です。
five hour is.
Answering with the hour.
なんじ に あいますか。
what hour at meet?
Asking about a meeting time.
しちじ です。
seven hour is.
Stating the hour.
なんじ に でますか。
what hour at leave?
Asking about departure time.
きゅうじ です。
nine hour is.
Stating the hour.
なんじ から ですか。
what hour from is?
Asking about the starting time.
すみません、いま なんじ ですか。
Excuse me, now what hour is it?
Polite inquiry using 'ima' (now).
ごじはんです。
five hour half is.
Expressing half-past the hour.
かいぎは なんじ から ですか。
meeting is what hour from is?
Asking for the start time of a meeting.
しごとが おわったら、なんじ に かえりますか。
work finishes when, what hour at return?
Asking about return time after work.
でんしゃは なんじ に つきますか。
train is what hour at arrive?
Asking about train arrival time.
ろくじ に あいましょう。
six o'clock at let's meet.
Suggesting a meeting time.
ひるごはんは なんじ に たべますか。
lunch is what hour at eat?
Asking about lunch time.
きょうは なんじ まで はたらきますか。
today is what hour until work?
Asking about working hours for the day.
すみません、いま なんじ ですか。 電車に乗り遅れたくないんです。
Excuse me, now what hour is it? train on miss want not.
Adding context to the time inquiry.
明日の会議は何時から始まりますか？
Tomorrow's meeting is what hour from starts?
Using 'ashita' (tomorrow) and asking for start time.
この映画は何時に終わりますか？
This movie is what hour at ends?
Asking about the end time of an event.
彼女はいつも定時の時間ぴったりに帰りますね。なんじに退社するんですか？
She always fixed time exactly at returns, isn't she? what hour at leave work?
Observing a punctual departure and asking about it.
今日の授業は午後3時からですが、何時に教室に来ればいいですか？
Today's class is afternoon 3 o'clock from is, what hour at classroom come should?
Asking for optimal arrival time relative to start time.
レストランの予約は何時まで有効ですか？
restaurant's reservation is what hour until valid?
Inquiring about the validity period of a reservation.
毎朝、何時に起きますか？
Every morning, what hour at wake up?
Asking about someone's wake-up time.
終電は何時発ですか？
Last train is what hour departure?
Asking for the departure time of the last train.
恐れ入りますが、現在の時刻を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか？
I am sorry but, current time ask may I?
Very formal way to ask 'What time is it?' using 'jikoku' (time/hour).
このイベントの開始時刻は何時かご存知ですか？
This event's start time is what hour do you know?
Asking if someone knows the start time of an event.
遅刻しそうなのですが、何時頃到着できそうでしょうか？
Late likely to be, what hour around arrival likely?
Asking for an estimated arrival time when likely to be late.
最終上映は何時開始ですか？チケットを買いたいのですが。
Final screening is what hour start? tickets buy want I.
Asking for the start time of the last screening.
会議の議題について、何時までに資料を提出すればよろしいでしょうか。
Meeting's agenda about, what hour until documents submit should?
Asking for a deadline for submitting materials.
「何時でもいい」と言われても、具体的な時間を決めないと話が進まないですよね。
'Any time is fine' although told, specific time decide if not talk progresses doesn't, right?
Discussing the difficulty of scheduling when given a vague time.
彼はいつも定時きっかりに帰宅するが、具体的に何時に退社しているのだろうか。
He always fixed time exactly at returns home, but specifically what hour at leaves work is I wonder.
Speculating about someone's exact departure time.
このツアーは午前9時に集合ですが、何時頃に終了予定ですか？
This tour is morning 9 o'clock at gather, but what hour around finish planned?
Asking about the estimated end time of a tour.
恐縮ですが、現在の正確な時刻を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか。公共の時計が見当たらなくて。
I am sorry but, current exact time ask may I? public clock cannot be found.
Using formal language ('kyoukushou desu ga', 'seikaku na jikoku', 'ukagatte mo yoroshii deshou ka') and providing a reason.
このプロジェクトの完了目標時刻は何時と設定されていますか？
This project's completion target time is what hour and set?
Using formal terms like 'kanryou mokuhyou jikoku' (completion target time).
待ち合わせの時間に遅れそうなのですが、何時頃までなら待っていただけますでしょうか。
Meeting time to late likely to be, but what hour around until can wait?
Politely inquiring about the maximum waiting time.
最終列車が何時発か確認していただけますか？乗り継ぎに余裕がなくて。
Last train is what hour departure can you confirm? transfer to time have not.
Requesting confirmation of the last train's departure time with a reason.
会議の進行状況を鑑み、予定時刻より多少前後する可能性はありますでしょうか。
Meeting's progress considering, scheduled time than somewhat before or after occur possibility is?
Discussing potential deviations from the scheduled time due to progress.
「何時でも都合がいい」という返答は、相手の都合を優先する丁寧さの表れとも解釈できます。
'Any time is convenient' this reply, other party's convenience prioritize politeness's manifestation also can be interpreted.
Analyzing the nuance and politeness conveyed by a vague time response.
彼は常に定時きっかりに退社することで知られているが、その厳密な時刻は何時なのか、興味深い。
He always fixed time exactly at leaves work by is known, but that strict time is what hour, interesting.
Expressing curiosity about the precise departure time of someone known for punctuality.
この歴史的建造物の一般公開は、何時から何時までとなっていますか。
This historical building's public viewing is, what hour from what hour until is?
Inquiring about the specific opening and closing hours (time range).
恐縮ながら、現行の標準時を正確にお教えいただけますでしょうか。手元の時計が若干ずれているようでして。
I am sorry but, current standard time accurately can you teach me? my watch slightly off seems.
Using highly formal and precise language ('genkou no hyoujunji', 'seikaku ni ooshie itadakemasu deshou ka', 'te moto no tokei ga shakkan zurete iru you de shite').
本件の最終承認時刻は、プロジェクト全体のタイムラインに照らし合わせ、何時を目標とすべきか再検討が必要です。
This matter's final approval time is, project entire's timeline comparing, what hour target should it be re-examined is necessary.
Discussing the strategic setting of target times within a larger project framework.
待ち合わせ相手の到着が遅延する見込みの場合、当方の許容待機時刻は何時までとなるか、事前に確認しておくべきだろう。
Meeting partner's arrival delay expected case, our side's permissible waiting time is what hour until will be, beforehand confirm should.
Considering permissible waiting times in advance for potential delays.
最終列車運行時刻の確認は、乗り継ぎの可否判断に不可欠であり、遅延の可能性も考慮した上で、何時発か正確に把握する必要がある。
Last train operation time confirmation is, transfer's possibility judgment for essential, delay's possibility also considering, what hour departure accurately grasp necessity exists.
Emphasizing the critical need to know the exact departure time of the last train, considering potential delays and transfers.
会議の進行が当初の予定時刻を大幅に超過した場合、後続の予定への影響を最小限に留めるため、何時を目処に切り上げるか、柔軟な判断が求められる。
Meeting's progress originally scheduled time significantly exceeds when, subsequent schedule's impact minimize, what hour target at wrap up, flexible judgment is required.
Highlighting the need for flexible decision-making regarding adjournment times when meetings run over.
「何時でも結構です」という表現は、相手への配慮を示す一方で、具体的な日程調整を困難にする場合があるという二面性を持つ。
'Any time is fine' this expression, towards other party consideration shows on one hand, specific schedule coordination difficult makes sometimes has duality.
Analyzing the inherent duality of the phrase 'nanji demo kekkou desu' – politeness versus practical scheduling challenges.
彼が毎日定時きっかりに退社する習慣は、その厳密な時刻が何時であるかに関わらず、一種の儀式めいている。
He every day fixed time exactly at leaves work habit is, that strict time is what hour is regardless of, a kind of ritual-like.
Describing someone's punctual departure as almost ritualistic, regardless of the specific hour.
この文化遺産の一般公開時間は、季節や曜日によって変動するため、訪問前に何時から何時までの開館かを確認することが肝要である。
This cultural heritage's public viewing hours, season and day of week by vary, so visit before what hour from what hour until opening, confirm is essential.
Stressing the importance of verifying variable opening hours for cultural sites.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"ときふうび (時、金なり)"
Time is money; emphasizes the value of time and the importance of not wasting it.
会議に遅れるな、ときふうびだぞ！(Kaigi ni okuruna, toki wa kane nari da zo! - Don't be late for the meeting, time is money!)
proverbial"じかんがあまる (時間が余る)"
To have spare time; to have more time than needed.
今日の仕事は早く終わったので、時間が余った。(Kyou no shigoto wa hayaku owatta node, jikan ga amatta. - Today's work finished early, so I had time to spare.)
neutral"じかんがない (時間がない)"
To have no time; to be very busy.
すみません、いま忙しいんです。時間がないんです。(Sumimasen, ima isogashii n desu. Jikan ga nai n desu. - Sorry, I'm busy right now. I don't have time.)
neutral"じかんよ、とまれ (時間よ、止まれ)"
Time, stop! Expresses a wish for a pleasant moment to last forever.
この美しい景色を見ていると、時間よ、止まれと言いたくなる。(Kono utsukushii keshiki o mite iru to, jikan yo, tomare to iitaku naru. - Looking at this beautiful scenery, I want to say 'Time, stop!')
literary/poetic"じかんをうつす (時間を移す)"
To pass time; to spend time doing something.
暇なので、本を読んで時間を移しました。(Hima na node, hon o yonde jikan o utsushimashita. - Since I was free, I passed the time by reading a book.)
neutral"ときあたわず (時、あたわず)"
Not having enough time; unable to do something due to time constraints.
会議に出席する時、あたわず、残念ながら欠席しました。(Kaigi ni shusseki suru toki, atawazu, zannen nagara kesseki shimashita. - I was unable to attend the meeting due to time constraints and unfortunately was absent.)
formal/literaryEasily Confused
Sounds similar to other 'nan-' (what) questions.
Specifically asks for the 'hour'. Other words like 'nannen' (what year) or 'nangatsu' (what month) ask for different time units.
これは何時ですか？ (Kore wa nanji desu ka? - What time is this?) vs. これは何年ですか？ (Kore wa nannen desu ka? - What year is this?)
Both relate to 'time'.
'Nanji' asks for a specific point in time (the hour). 'Jikan' refers to duration or time in general.
何時ですか？ (Nanji desu ka? - What time is it?) vs. 何時間かかりますか？ (Nan jikan kakarimasu ka? - How many hours will it take?)
The 'ji' in 'nanji' comes from this character.
'Toki' means 'time' or 'moment', often used for specific occasions (e.g., 'shokuji no toki' - mealtime). 'Nanji' is the question form specifically about the hour.
食事の時、何時ですか？ (Shokuji no toki, nanji desu ka? - During mealtime, what time is it?)
Often asked together with 'nanji'.
'Nanji' asks for the hour. 'Nanpun' asks for the minutes. You might ask 'Nanji nanpun?' for the exact time.
何時ですか？ (Nanji desu ka? - What time is it?) vs. 何分ですか？ (Nanpun desu ka? - What minute is it?)
Sentence Patterns
いま + なんじ + ですか。
いま なんじ ですか。(Ima nanji desu ka. - What time is it now?)
なんじ + に + Verb?
なんじ に あいますか。(Nanji ni aimasu ka? - What time shall we meet?)
なんじ + から + ですか。
かいぎは なんじ から ですか。(Kaigi wa nanji kara desu ka? - From what time is the meeting?)
なんじ + まで + ですか。
みせは なんじ まで ですか。(Mise wa nanji made desu ka? - Until what time is the shop open?)
Noun + は + なんじ + ですか。
しごとは なんじ ですか。(Shigoto wa nanji desu ka? - What time is work?)
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
'Ji' specifically means hour. For year, use 'nen'; for month, use 'gatsu'.
The 'j' sound in Japanese is often softer and slightly palatalized compared to English.
Dropping politeness markers can sound abrupt or rude.
'Nanji' asks for a specific point in time (the hour), not a length of time.
The nasal 'n' is crucial for the correct pronunciation and flow of the word.
Tips
Clock Association
When you see a clock, immediately think 'Nanji desu ka?' and try to answer with the time in Japanese. Repetition is key!
Always Add 'Desu Ka' Initially
When in doubt, always use 'Nanji desu ka?' It's polite and universally understood. You can drop 'desu ka' later as you get more comfortable with someone.
Punctuality is Valued
In Japan, punctuality is highly regarded. Being able to ask and understand the time accurately is a sign of respect for others' schedules.
Hour + 'Ji'
Remember the pattern: Number + 'ji' = O'clock. (e.g., San + ji = 3 o'clock). This is crucial for answering time-related questions.
Soften the 'J'
Practice the 'ji' sound. It's not a hard 'J' like in 'jump', but a softer sound, almost like 'dgee'.
Don't Mix Time Units
Remember 'ji' is for hours, 'fun/pun' for minutes, 'nen' for years, 'gatsu' for months, 'nichi' for days. Keep them separate!
Kanji Origins
The kanji '時' (ji) for hour/time visually represents the sun moving, showing how ancient cultures tracked time.
Use Your Phone's Clock
Set your phone's clock to display Japanese time. Every time you check it, practice saying 'Nanji desu ka?' and the time in Japanese.
Context Matters
While 'nanji desu ka?' is standard, listen to how native speakers use it. Notice when they drop 'desu ka' or use phrases like 'nanji goro?'
Learn Numbers First
Before mastering 'nanji', ensure you know Japanese numbers 1-12 well, as they form the basis of your answers.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Nanny' asking 'Ji!' (like 'Gee!') 'What time is it, Nanny?'
Visual Association
Imagine a clock with a big question mark on it, and the letters 'N' and 'J' prominent.
Word Web
Challenge
Ask yourself 'Nanji desu ka?' every hour and answer with the correct time in Japanese.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: 'What hour?'
Cultural Context
Asking the time is generally a neutral and common social interaction, not sensitive.
In English-speaking cultures, we ask 'What time is it?' or 'Do you have the time?'. The directness of 'nanji' is similar to asking 'What hour?'
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Meeting friends
- なんじ に あいますか？ (Nanji ni aimasu ka? - What time shall we meet?)
- いま なんじ？ (Ima nanji? - What time is it now?)
- ごじ に しましょう。(Goji ni shimashou. - Let's make it 5 o'clock.)
Using public transport
- なんじ に つきますか？ (Nanji ni tsukimasu ka? - What time does it arrive?)
- しゅうでんは なんじ はつ ですか？ (Shuuden wa nanji hatsu desu ka? - What time is the last train departure?)
- なんじ まで に えき に いけば いい ですか？ (Nanji made ni eki ni ikeba ii desu ka? - By what time should I get to the station?)
Shopping
- なんじ まで あいていますか？ (Nanji made aite imasu ka? - Until what time is it open?)
- ろくじ に とじます。(Roku-ji ni tojimasu. - It closes at 6 o'clock.)
- いま なんじ ですか？ (Ima nanji desu ka? - What time is it now?)
At work/school
- かいぎは なんじ から ですか？ (Kaigi wa nanji kara desu ka? - From what time is the meeting?)
- しごとは なんじ に おわりますか？ (Shigoto wa nanji ni owarimasu ka? - What time does work finish?)
- きょうは なんじ まで ですか？ (Kyou wa nanji made desu ka? - Until what time is it today?)
Conversation Starters
"Excuse me, what time is it?"
"What time do you usually wake up in the morning?"
"What time does the next train arrive?"
"What time does this shop close?"
"Around what time should we meet tomorrow?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your typical daily schedule using Japanese hours (e.g., 'I wake up at 7 ji').
Write a short dialogue asking someone for the time and then making plans.
What is your favorite time of day and why? (Answer in Japanese using 'ji').
Imagine you are planning a trip. Write down the times for your train departures and arrivals in Japanese.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, 'nanji' specifically asks for the hour. To ask about minutes, you would use 'nanpun' (何分). For example, 'いま何時何分ですか？' (Ima nanji nanpun desu ka? - What time and minute is it now?).
You answer with the hour followed by 'ji' (時). For example, 'sanji desu' (３時です - It's 3 o'clock). For minutes, you add 'fun' or 'pun' after the minute number, like 'sanji gofun desu' (３時５分です - It's 3:05).
Yes, among close friends or in very informal situations, you can shorten it to 'nanji?'. However, adding 'desu ka' (ですか) makes it polite and suitable for most situations.
'Jikan' (時間) usually refers to a duration of time (e.g., 'how many hours?') or general time, while 'toki' (時) often refers to a specific point in time or an occasion. 'Nanji' uses the 'ji' from 'toki'.
As a direct question, 'nanji desu ka?' is less common in very formal writing. Instead, more formal phrases like '時刻をお伺いします' (jikoku o ukagaimasu - I inquire about the time) might be used, or the time might be stated directly without asking.
You can use 'nanji goro' (何時頃). For example, 'Nanji goro ni aimashou ka?' (何時頃に会いましょうか？ - Around what time shall we meet?).
'Nanji kara' (何時から) means 'from what time?', asking for a starting time. 'Nanji made' (何時まで) means 'until what time?', asking for an ending time or closing time.
The core pronunciation is consistent. The main variations are in politeness level (adding 'desu ka') and the slight difference in the 'j' sound compared to English. The nasal 'n' before 'ji' is important.
Test Yourself
いま ______ ですか。
We use 'nanji' to ask about the time.
What does 'なんじ' mean?
'Ji' means hour, so 'nanji' means 'what hour?'.
You can use 'なんじ' to ask about the current date.
'Nanji' is specifically for asking the time (hour), not the date.
Word
Meaning
Matching common phrases and words related to asking about time.
The correct order for 'What time is it now?' is 'Ima nanji desu ka?'
会議は ______ から始まりますか？
We use 'nanji' (what hour) to ask about the start time of the meeting.
Which phrase is used to ask for an approximate time?
'Nanji goro' means 'around what time?'.
The phrase 'なんじ' can be used to ask about the duration of an event.
To ask about duration, you use 'nan jikan' (how many hours).
This forms a very polite question: 'Kyou shou irimasu ga, genzai no jikoku o ukagatte mo yoroshii deshou ka?' (Excuse me, but may I ask the current time?)
最終列車が ______ 発か確認していただけますか？
Asking for the specific departure time ('nanji hatsu') of the last train is crucial.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 'なんじ (nanji)' is your first step to navigating schedules and daily life in Japan!
- なんじ (nanji) means 'what hour?' or 'what time?'.
- It's used to ask about the time of day.
- The standard polite question is 'なんじですか' (nanji desu ka?).
- It's a fundamental phrase for daily communication in Japanese.
Clock Association
When you see a clock, immediately think 'Nanji desu ka?' and try to answer with the time in Japanese. Repetition is key!
Always Add 'Desu Ka' Initially
When in doubt, always use 'Nanji desu ka?' It's polite and universally understood. You can drop 'desu ka' later as you get more comfortable with someone.
Punctuality is Valued
In Japan, punctuality is highly regarded. Being able to ask and understand the time accurately is a sign of respect for others' schedules.
Hour + 'Ji'
Remember the pattern: Number + 'ji' = O'clock. (e.g., San + ji = 3 o'clock). This is crucial for answering time-related questions.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
