Translation guide
The traditional Japanese hour of the Ox (丑の刻, ushi no koku) corresponds roughly to 1:00–3:00 AM in the modern 24-hour system. It is a specific temporal unit from the historical Chinese-derived timekeeping system used in Japan.
Referring to the historical double-hour period associated with the Ox zodiac sign.
The standard term for the hour of the Ox in the traditional Japanese time system. Used in historical, literary, or cultural contexts.
丑の刻は午前1時から3時までです。
The hour of the Ox is from 1 AM to 3 AM.
A variant using 時 (とき) instead of 刻 (こく). Slightly less formal but still refers to the same time period.
Referring to the hour of the Ox in the context of the famous cursing ritual or ghost stories.
A traditional cursing ritual performed at the hour of the Ox, often depicted in folklore and horror stories. The phrase itself is a set term.
丑の刻参りは恐ろしい儀式だ。
The Ushi no Koku Mairi is a terrifying ritual.
In modern Japanese, specific times are usually given in the 24-hour or 12-hour clock. The traditional hours are only used in historical or cultural contexts. To express '1–3 AM' in everyday speech, use 午前1時から3時 (gozen ichiji kara sanji).
Do not use '丑の刻' in casual conversation about time; it will sound archaic or supernatural. Use it only when discussing the traditional time system or related folklore.
丑の時に出発する。
We depart at the hour of the Ox.