Translation guide
The time of day from sunrise to noon. In Japanese, the word 朝 (あさ) is the most common equivalent, but usage varies depending on context, greetings, and time-specific expressions.
Referring to the morning as a time period.
The most common and general word for 'morning'. Can be used in most contexts.
I drink coffee in the morning.
明日の朝、電話します。
I'll call you tomorrow morning.
Refers to the AM hours, often used in formal or written contexts, like schedules.
会議は午前10時からです。
The meeting is from 10 AM.
Early morning, dawn. Used for very early hours.
早朝の散歩は気持ちがいい。
An early morning walk feels great.
Saying 'good morning' to someone.
Polite 'good morning'. Used with strangers, superiors, or in formal settings.
先生、おはようございます。
Good morning, teacher.
Casual 'good morning'. Used with friends, family, or close colleagues.
Referring specifically to the morning of the current day.
The standard way to say 'this morning'.
今朝、何を食べましたか？
What did you eat this morning?
Expressing a habitual action in the morning.
Means 'every morning'.
毎朝ジョギングをします。
I go jogging every morning.
Using 'morning' to describe something, like 'morning news' or 'morning sun'.
Attach 朝の to a noun to mean 'morning [noun]'.
朝のニュースを見ます。
I watch the morning news.
朝の光が部屋に入ってきた。
The morning light came into the room.
In English, 'morning' can be a casual greeting, but in Japanese you must use おはよう or おはようございます. Saying just 朝 (あさ) to greet someone is incorrect.
おはようございます is used until around 10-11 AM, but in some workplaces it may be used regardless of the time if it's the first meeting of the day.
朝早く起きます。
I wake up early in the morning.
皆さん、おはようございます。
Good morning, everyone.
Morning! How are you?