Translation guide
How to express 'punctually' in Japanese, covering being on time, doing things at the scheduled time, and related nuances.
Describing arriving or doing something at the agreed or scheduled time, without delay.
The most common and natural way to say 'on time' or 'punctually'. Used for arrivals, departures, and events starting as scheduled.
He always comes on time.
The train departed punctually.
More formal, often used for scheduled transport or official events. Implies strict adherence to a timetable.
The airplane arrived on schedule.
Literally 'without being late'. Emphasizes the absence of lateness. Common in instructions or expectations.
Please come to the meeting punctually (without being late).
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'exactly' or 'precisely', often used for punctuality in casual contexts. Can sound a bit colloquial.
He came exactly at 9 o'clock.
Emphasizing that something happens precisely when scheduled, not early or late.
Acting immediately or at the scheduled moment, without procrastination.
時間通りに is the everyday expression for 'on time'. 定刻に is more formal and often used for transportation schedules or official events. In casual conversation, 時間通りに is preferred.
The bus came on time.
The ceremony began punctually (as scheduled).
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'punctually'. Avoid direct translations like パンクチュアリーに (not used). Instead, use phrases like 時間通りに or 遅れずに depending on context.
She always pays her bills punctually.
For payments, 期限通りに (by the deadline) is more natural than 時間通りに.
The meeting started punctually at 10.
会議はきっかり3時に始まった。
The meeting started at exactly 3 o'clock.