Translation guide
How to express the idea of the 'right time' in Japanese, covering timing, opportunity, and appropriateness.
Expressing that a moment is well-timed or opportune for doing something.
A very common and natural way to say 'good timing' in casual and neutral contexts. Literally 'good timing'.
今、電話しようと思ってたところ。いいタイミング！
I was just about to call you. Good timing!
Means 'just the right time' or 'perfect timing'. Slightly more descriptive than いいタイミング.
ちょうどいい時に来たね。ご飯ができたよ。
You came at just the right time. Dinner's ready.
Literally 'tide time', used to mean the best time to act, often in a strategic or decisive sense. Somewhat literary or formal.
今が潮時だ。
Now is the right time (to act).
Indicating that a time is appropriate or suitable for a particular action or situation.
A formal and clear way to say 'appropriate time' or 'suitable period'. Often used in business or official contexts.
プロジェクトを始める適切な時期について話し合いましょう。
Let's discuss the right time to start the project.
Refers to a suitable or moderate time/degree. Often used in the phrase 頃合いを見る (to wait for the right moment). Natural in spoken and written Japanese.
そろそろ出かけるのに頃合いだ。
It's about the right time to leave.
Means 'the proper time' or 'due time'. Formal and somewhat stiff, used in official or serious contexts.
しかるべき時に詳細をお知らせします。
We will inform you of the details at the right time.
Expressing that it is the right time to perform a specific action.
A flexible pattern meaning 'a good time to do ~'. Replace 〜する with the dictionary form of the verb.
旅行するのにいい時期ですね。
It's a good time to travel, isn't it?
Similar to the above but uses タイミング, which feels more about the exact moment rather than a season or period.
彼に話すにはいいタイミングだ。
It's a good time to talk to him.
Expressing the general concept that timing is crucial or that the moment has arrived.
A direct and common way to say 'timing is everything'. Used in casual and business contexts.
成功にはタイミングが全てだ。
Timing is everything for success.
A dramatic way to say 'the time has come'. Often used in speeches, literature, or motivational contexts.
ついに時は来た。
The time has finally come.
Directly translating 'right time' as 正しい時間 (ただしいじかん) usually means 'correct time' as in clock time, not the opportune moment. Use the phrases above instead.