Translation guide
The abbreviation 'PM' can refer to time (post meridiem), a prime minister, or a private message. This guide covers how to express each meaning naturally in Japanese.
Expressing the time period from noon to midnight, or a specific time in the afternoon/evening.
The standard word for 'PM' or 'afternoon'. Used before the hour to indicate a PM time.
It's 3 PM.
The meeting is from 2 PM.
Refers to early evening, roughly from sunset to nightfall. Not a direct translation of 'PM', but used when specifying a time in the evening.
Let's meet at 6 PM (in the evening).
Means 'night'. Used for times after dark, often from around 7 PM onwards.
It's 8 PM (at night).
Referring to the head of government in a parliamentary system, especially Japan's.
Sending a direct, non-public message to someone on social media or chat platforms.
The most common term in Japanese online slang, borrowed from 'direct message'. Used as a noun or verb (DMする).
Please send it via PM.
I'll PM you later.
Literally 'individual message'. Less common than DM but understood.
Please send questions via PM.
午後 (ごご) is the direct equivalent of PM and covers the entire afternoon from 12:00 to 23:59. 夕方 (ゆうがた) refers to early evening (around sunset), and 夜 (よる) means night. Use 午後 for exact times, and 夕方/夜 for approximate periods.
7 PM (neutral) vs. 7 at night (emphasizing nighttime)
The English abbreviation 'PM' is not widely understood in Japanese outside of specific contexts like train schedules. Always use 午後 or the appropriate time word.
The meeting starts at 2 PM.
I'll send you a PM with the details.
The PM addressed the nation.
The PM held a press conference.
A more formal or full title, often used in official contexts. Abbreviated as 総理 (そうり).
PM Abe resigned.
総理、今回の政策についてどうお考えですか？
PM, what are your thoughts on this policy?
Direct translation of 'private message'. Used occasionally but sounds slightly formal or technical.
I sent a PM.