Translation guide
The English word 'date' has several distinct meanings: a romantic meeting, a calendar day, the fruit, and the act of going out with someone. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each situation.
Referring to a specific day, month, and year, or asking what day it is.
The most common word for 'date' as in a calendar date. Used for the date on documents, letters, etc.
What is today's date?
The date on this letter is last week.
Refers to the day of the month or a specific day, often used in scheduling. More casual than 日付.
Let's decide on a date for the meeting.
Used to ask 'what date' or 'which day of the month'. Often combined with ですか.
What date is your birthday?
A planned social or romantic meeting between two people.
The standard loanword for a romantic date. Used for both the event and the activity.
I'm going on a date with my boyfriend.
Our first date was a movie.
The verb form meaning 'to go on a date' or 'to date someone'.
I plan to go on a date this weekend.
A literary or old-fashioned word for a secret romantic meeting, often with a nuance of an affair.
The sweet fruit of the date palm.
The act of being in a romantic relationship or regularly going on dates with someone.
The most common verb for 'to date' or 'to go out with' someone. Implies an ongoing relationship.
I'm dating her.
A more formal term for 'dating' or 'going steady', often used in official contexts like marriage introductions.
I'm seriously dating him.
日付 (ひづけ) is only for calendar dates. デート is only for romantic meetings. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
Incorrect for 'What is today's date?'
Correct: What is today's date?
付き合う implies an ongoing relationship, while デートする refers to the specific event of going on a date. You can デートする with someone you are not yet 付き合っている with.
Since I'm dating her, we go on dates every week.
二人は逢引を重ねた。
They had many secret meetings.
How long have you been dating?