Translation guide
Expresses the idea of 'one night' in Japanese, covering a single night's duration, a specific night, or an overnight stay. The most common and versatile expression is 一晩 (hitoban).
To express a period of one night, often in contexts like staying overnight, doing something all night, or a single night's sleep.
The most common and natural way to say 'one night' as a duration. Used for overnight stays, one night's sleep, or events lasting one night.
I was up all night.
Can I stay here for one night?
Also means 'one night', but slightly more literary or formal. Often used in set phrases or poetic contexts.
The castle was built in one night.
The native Japanese reading of 一夜, often used in traditional or poetic contexts, or in compound words.
When the night passed, snow had piled up.
To refer to a particular night, often in storytelling or when specifying which night.
To talk about staying somewhere for one night, such as at a hotel or a friend's house.
一晩 (hitoban) is the most common for 'one night' as a duration. 一夜 (ichiya/hitoyo) is more literary. 一泊 (ippaku) is specifically for overnight stays, often used in travel contexts.
The English phrase 'one night stand' for a brief sexual encounter is not translated directly. Use 一夜限りの関係 (ichiya kagiri no kankei) or the loanword ワンナイトラブ (wan naito rabu).
一夜の宿を求めた。
I sought lodging for one night.
How much is it per night?
I stayed one night at my friend's house.