Translation guide
The English phrase 'time flies' expresses that time seems to pass quickly. In Japanese, this idea is conveyed through set phrases, proverbs, and casual expressions. The most common equivalent is 光陰矢の如し, a proverb meaning 'time flies like an arrow.' For everyday use, phrases like 時間が経つのが早い or あっという間だ are more natural.
Express the feeling that time has gone by fast, often in a reflective or conversational tone.
A straightforward, natural way to say 'time passes quickly.' Suitable for most situations.
楽しいと時間が経つのが早いね。
Time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it?
Literally 'it's in the blink of an eye.' Very common in casual speech to say something happened or passed quickly.
休みはあっという間だった。
The vacation flew by.
A slightly more formal or literary version of 時間が経つのが早い, using 時 (とき) instead of 時間.
時が経つのは早いものだ。
Time flies, doesn't it?
A classical proverb meaning 'time flies like an arrow.' Used in formal or literary contexts, similar to the English proverb 'time flies.'
光陰矢の如しで、もう一年が終わろうとしている。
Time flies like an arrow; another year is almost over.
Specifically note that time flies when you are enjoying yourself or deeply focused.
Combines 'fun time' with 'in the blink of an eye' to directly mirror 'time flies when you're having fun.'
友達と話していると、楽しい時間はあっという間だ。
When I'm talking with friends, time flies.
A pattern meaning 'when doing ~, time passes quickly.' Fill in the blank with a verb in て form.
ゲームをしていると時間が経つのが早い。
Time flies when I'm playing games.
Look back on a specific time span (a year, a vacation, childhood) and comment on its speed.
Use もう (already) with a time expression to express surprise at how fast time has gone. Very common in daily conversation.
もう一年か。時間が経つのは早いな。
It's already been a year. Time flies.
Means 'in the blink of an eye, it becomes ~.' Used to describe how quickly a state or time is reached.
子供はあっという間に大きくなる。
Children grow up in the blink of an eye. (Time flies.)
Do not translate 'time flies' word-for-word as 時間が飛ぶ (じかんがとぶ). This is not natural Japanese and will not be understood as 'time passes quickly.'
Both express that time passes quickly, but あっという間 emphasizes the subjective feeling of brevity (like 'in a flash'), while 時間が経つのが早い is a more neutral statement of fact. Use あっという間 for stronger emotional impact.