Translation guide
The English word 'hour' refers to a unit of time equal to 60 minutes. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 時間 (jikan), but the specific word used depends on whether you are talking about duration, clock time, or a specific point in time.
Expressing how long something takes or lasts, measured in hours.
Telling the time on a clock, as in 'It is 3 o'clock.'
Referring to a particular hour as a point in time, often in formal or written contexts.
Means 'time' or 'hour' in a more formal sense, often used in schedules or announcements.
Referring to a period of the day characterized by a particular activity.
Referring to the abstract unit of time, often in scientific or technical contexts.
The standard word for the unit 'hour'.
I'll be there in an hour.
１時間半かかります。
It takes an hour and a half.
What time is it now?
The meeting is from 3 o'clock.
The departure time is 8 a.m.
Can also mean 'the hour' as in a point in time, but this usage is less common and often overlaps with 'time' in general.
I was late for the appointed hour.
Means 'time zone' or 'time period', used for blocks of time like rush hour or peak hours.
Trains are crowded during rush hour.
Loanword from English 'hour', used in specific compounds like 'rush hour' or 'happy hour'.
Happy hour is from 5 o'clock.
One hour is 60 minutes.
Please come at 2 o'clock.
Saying '２時' means '2 o'clock', not 'two hours'. To express duration, always use 時間.
The store is open 24 hours.
It's three o'clock.