Translation guide
The English phrase "one's time" refers to how a person uses or spends their time, often in contexts of leisure, availability, or personal schedule. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various nouns and phrases depending on the nuance.
Referring to time when one is not working or busy, used for relaxation or hobbies.
The most common word for free time. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
I watch movies in my free time.
A more formal term for leisure time, often used in written contexts.
余暇を利用して旅行する。
I travel using my leisure time.
Literally 'free time', emphasizing the freedom to choose activities.
自由な時間がもっと欲しい。
I want more free time.
Referring to the time one can allocate to an activity, often in scheduling contexts.
General word for time; when used with possessive, it means one's available time.
明日、時間がありますか？
Do you have time tomorrow?
A convenient time, often used when arranging meetings.
都合のいい時間を教えてください。
Please tell me a time that works for you.
Emphasizing that time is a valuable personal asset, often in expressions about using or wasting it.
Literally 'one's own time', used to stress personal ownership of time.
自分の時間を大切にしてください。
Please value your own time.
Precious time, often used to emphasize that time should not be wasted.
貴重な時間を無駄にしないで。
Don't waste your precious time.
Referring to a period in one's life or a historical era, often in nostalgic or reflective contexts.
Era or period; can refer to one's time in history or a phase of life.
学生時代は楽しかった。
My student days were fun.
A specific period or season, often used for phases in life.
今は忙しい時期です。
This is a busy time for me.
Expressing the idea of not rushing and doing something at a relaxed pace.
To take it easy, to do something without hurry.
ゆっくりしてください。
Take your time.
Without rushing; often used to tell someone to take their time.
急がずにやってください。
Please take your time doing it.
The phrase 'one's time' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word as 人の時間 (hito no jikan) is unnatural. Instead, use context-appropriate terms like 暇 (hima) for free time or 時間 (jikan) for available time.
暇な時は読書をするのが好きです。
I like to spend my time reading.
彼女は一人の時間を大切にしている。
She values her time alone.