Translation guide
The English word "time" covers many concepts, from clock time to occasions, durations, and abstract ideas. This guide breaks down the most useful meanings for learners and shows how to express them naturally in Japanese.
Asking for or stating the time of day, or a specific moment.
Used for clock time, hours, and time as a measurable quantity. To ask 'what time is it?' use 何時 (なんじ) for the hour, but 時間 is the general word for time.
More formal or technical term for a specific point in time, often used in schedules and announcements.
Referring to a particular occurrence or event, like 'this time' or 'next time'.
Means 'time' as in an occasion or moment. Often used in phrases like その時 (at that time) or 若い時 (when young).
Expressing how long something takes or lasts.
Used for durations, e.g., 'two hours' is 二時間. Can also mean 'time' in the abstract sense of having time.
Talking about time as a philosophical or general concept.
The most common word for time as an abstract concept, like 'time flies'.
Referring to time available for hobbies or relaxation.
Means free time or spare time. Can also imply boredom if you have too much free time.
Referring to a historical period or era.
Means era, age, or period. Used for historical times like the Edo period.
Expressing how many times something happens.
Counter for occurrences. Attach to numbers: 一回 (once), 二回 (twice), etc.
Expressing that the appropriate moment has arrived.
Used with nouns to say it's time for something, e.g., 食事の時間だ (it's mealtime).
English 'time' maps to many Japanese words. Using 時間 for 'occasion' or 'era' will sound unnatural. Pay attention to the intended meaning.
時 (とき) is for a point in time or occasion. 時間 (じかん) is for clock time or duration. 回 (かい) is for counting occurrences. Choose based on context.
In many natural expressions, 'time' is implied and not directly translated. For example, 'when I was a child' is 子供の時, not 子供の時間.
The departure time is 6 a.m.
Next time, please come earlier.
Call me when you're in trouble.
Counter for occurrences, like 'three times'. Can be used with 目 (め) to mean 'the ...th time'.
This Sunday is our third date (third time).
Similar to 時 but more literary or formal. Often used in set phrases like この度 (this time, on this occasion).
Thank you for your help on this occasion.
The movie is two and a half hours long.
I don't have enough time to study.
Refers to a period or term, like a limited time frame.
The contract period is one year.
Time flies, doesn't it?
Can also be used abstractly, often in proverbs or poetic expressions.
Time is money.
暇な時に映画を見ます。
I watch movies in my free time.
Literally 'free time', often used in schedules or contexts like school or work.
What do you do in your free time?
The Edo period lasted a long time.
Refers to a season, phase, or time frame, like 'this time of year'.
There's a lot of pollen at this time of year.
I go to the gym three times a week.
Also a counter for occurrences, but more formal and often used in set phrases like 一度 (once).
I've never been there, not even once.
It's about time to leave.
Used with verbs to say it's time one should do something. More emphatic.
It's time to go home.
Take your time.
Literally 'do it slowly', no 'time' word.