Translation guide
The English word 'night' refers to the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 夜 (よる), but there are other words and expressions depending on context, such as 晩 (ばん) for evening/night, and 夜中 (よなか) for the middle of the night. This guide covers how to express 'night' naturally in various situations.
Referring to night as a time of day, in general statements or descriptions.
The most common and neutral word for 'night'. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
The stars are beautiful at night.
I like taking walks at night.
A more formal or technical term for 'nighttime', often used in official contexts like 'night shift' or 'nighttime hours'.
Referring to the period from late afternoon to bedtime, often overlapping with 'night' in English.
Often used for 'evening' or 'night' in phrases like 'tonight' (今晩) or 'last night' (昨晩). Slightly more formal than 夜 in some contexts.
Referring to the time when most people are asleep, after midnight.
Expressing that something continues for the entire night.
Saying 'good night' before going to bed or parting late at night.
夜 (よる) is the general word for 'night', while 晩 (ばん) often refers to the evening or early night. In time expressions like 'tonight' or 'last night', both can be used, but 晩 is slightly more formal. 今夜 (こんや) and 今晩 (こんばん) are both common for 'tonight', with 今晩 being a bit more polite.
夜中 (よなか) is the everyday word for 'middle of the night', while 深夜 (しんや) is formal and used in schedules or official contexts. Using 深夜 in casual conversation can sound stiff.
I couldn't sleep last night.
Nighttime construction is prohibited.
今晩は何をしますか。
What are you doing tonight?
Did you sleep well last night?
Also used for 'tonight' (今夜) and 'last night' (昨夜), but 晩 is more common in those specific time expressions.
Let's watch a movie tonight.
Specifically means the middle of the night, late night hours. Commonly used for 'in the middle of the night'.
I woke up in the middle of the night.
I stayed up until late at night.
Formal term for late night, often used in schedules (e.g., late-night TV, trains).
The late-night bus departs at 1 a.m.
Means 'all night long' or 'throughout the night'. Very common in everyday speech.
It rained all night.
I studied all night.
Also means 'all night', but often implies doing something continuously without sleeping.
I worked all night.
The standard polite way to say 'good night'. Can be shortened to おやすみ in casual situations.
Good night, see you tomorrow.
Casual form of 'good night', used among friends and family.
Good night, sweet dreams.
It gets cold at night.
He works the night shift.