Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'clock' is 時計 (とけい). This covers wall clocks, alarm clocks, and wristwatches. The context usually makes the type clear, but you can specify with compounds like 置き時計 (desk clock) or 腕時計 (wristwatch).
時計
clock
The learner wants to refer to a timepiece in general, without specifying the type.
The most common and general word for any timepiece, including clocks and watches. Use this unless you need to be specific.
あの時計は正確ですね。
That clock is accurate, isn't it?
時計を見てください。
Please look at the clock.
The learner wants to specifically refer to a clock that hangs on a wall or stands on a surface, as opposed to a wristwatch.
Specifically a wall clock. The prefix 掛け (かけ) comes from the verb 掛ける (to hang).
リビングの掛け時計が止まっています。
The wall clock in the living room has stopped.
A desk clock or table clock. The prefix 置き (おき) comes from the verb 置く (to place).
The learner wants to refer to a clock used for waking up or setting alarms.
Standard term for an alarm clock. 目覚まし (めざまし) means 'waking up'.
目覚まし時計をセットしました。
I set the alarm clock.
目覚まし時計が鳴らなかった。
The alarm clock didn't go off.
Also means alarm clock, using the English loanword 'alarm'. Slightly less common than 目覚まし時計.
アラーム時計を買い替えました。
I replaced my alarm clock.
The learner wants to refer to a watch worn on the wrist.
The standard word for wristwatch. 腕 (うで) means 'arm'.
新しい腕時計を買いました。
I bought a new wristwatch.
彼は高級な腕時計をしています。
He is wearing an expensive wristwatch.
In context, 時計 alone can mean wristwatch, especially when it's clear you're talking about something worn.
時計を忘れた。
I forgot my watch.
The learner wants to specify a digital timepiece.
A digital clock or watch. The loanword デジタル is commonly used.
デジタル時計の方が見やすいです。
Digital clocks are easier to read.
The learner wants to refer to a clock used for timing events, like a stopwatch or game clock.
Stopwatch. Used for precise timing in sports or experiments.
コーチはストップウォッチでタイムを計った。
The coach timed with a stopwatch.
Timer, often used for countdowns in cooking or games.
In contexts like chess or basketball, 時計 can refer to the game clock.
Japanese does not always distinguish between 'clock' and 'watch' with separate words. 時計 (とけい) covers both. If you need to be specific, use compounds like 腕時計 (うでどけい) for wristwatch or 掛け時計 (かけどけい) for wall clock.
時間 (じかん) means 'time' or 'hours', not 'clock'. Saying 時間を見る would mean 'look at the time', not 'look at the clock'. To refer to the device, use 時計.
あの時計は何時ですか。
What time does that clock say?
私の時計は5分進んでいます。
My watch is five minutes fast.
壁の時計が止まっています。
The clock on the wall has stopped.
机の上に置き時計があります。
There is a desk clock on the desk.
A grandfather clock or tall case clock. Literally 'pillar clock'.
祖母の家には古い柱時計があります。
There is an old grandfather clock at my grandmother's house.
タイマーを5分にセットしてください。
Please set the timer for 5 minutes.
The game clock went under one minute.