Translation guide
Expressing 'a time' in Japanese depends on whether you mean an occasion, a point in time, a period, or a specific instance. The most common and versatile word is 時 (とき), but other expressions like 時間 (じかん), 場合 (ばあい), and 回 (かい) are used in different contexts.
Referring to a specific occasion, moment, or instance when something happens.
The most common and versatile word for 'time' as an occasion or moment. It can be used in many contexts, often with modifiers.
子供の時、よく公園で遊んだ。
When I was a child, I often played in the park.
困った時はいつでも電話してください。
Please call me anytime when you are in trouble.
Used for 'in the case of' or 'in the event of', often in more formal or hypothetical situations.
火事の場合は、この非常口を使ってください。
In case of fire, please use this emergency exit.
A formal, polite word for 'time' or 'occasion', often used in set phrases or business contexts.
またの折にご連絡いたします。
I will contact you at another time.
Referring to a specific clock time or point in time.
Used for clock time or a specific point in time, often with numbers.
会議の時間を決めましょう。
Let's decide on a time for the meeting.
More formal than 時間, used for precise clock times, like in schedules or timetables.
Referring to a length of time or a period during which something happens.
Also used for duration or a period of time. Context distinguishes it from 'point in time'.
長い時間待たされました。
I was made to wait for a long time.
Refers to a defined period, such as a term, season, or interval.
Counting how many times something happens.
The standard counter for occurrences or times. Used with numbers.
日本に行ったのは三回です。
I have been to Japan three times.
Also a counter for times, often interchangeable with 回 but can sound slightly more formal or emphatic. Used in some fixed expressions.
もう一度言ってください。
Please say it one more time.
Referring to a historical period or a phase in life.
Means 'era' or 'age', used for historical periods or generational times.
江戸時代は長く続いた。
The Edo period lasted a long time.
Means 'around the time of' or 'about when', often used for approximate times in the past or future.
子供の頃、よく川で泳いだ。
When I was a child, I often swam in the river.
時 (とき) refers to an occasion or moment, while 時間 (じかん) refers to clock time or duration. For example, 子供の時 (when I was a child) vs. 二時間 (two hours).
若い時は何でもできた。
When I was young, I could do anything.
若い時間は短い。
The time of youth is short. (unnatural)
In many cases, English 'time' is not translated as a separate word in Japanese. For example, 'It's time to go' is often expressed as もう行く時間だ (literally 'already go time is') or simply 行こう (let's go).
そう思った時もあった。
There was a time when I thought that.
もっと時間が必要です。
I need more time.
Please check the departure time of the train.
We will be closed during this period.