Translation guide
The most common way to say 'yesterday' is 昨日 (きのう). In formal contexts, 昨日 (さくじつ) is used. There are also related expressions for 'the day before yesterday' and time references.
Referring to the day before today in general conversation or writing.
The standard, everyday word for 'yesterday'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
It was rainy yesterday.
I watched a movie yesterday.
A formal version of 'yesterday', used in business, news, or polite writing. Not typically used in casual conversation.
Referring to two days before today.
Combining 'yesterday' with a time of day.
Use 昨日の (きのうの) before words like 朝 (あさ, morning), 夜 (よる, night), etc. to say 'yesterday morning', 'yesterday evening', etc.
I went jogging yesterday morning.
What did you do yesterday evening?
きのう is the default word for 'yesterday' in daily life. さくじつ is a formal Sino-Japanese reading used in official contexts, speeches, or business correspondence. Using さくじつ in casual conversation can sound stiff or overly formal.
I hung out with a friend yesterday.
Yesterday, there was a meeting at our company.
昨日、会議が行われました。
A meeting was held yesterday.
A formal version of 'the day before yesterday', rarely used outside very formal writing.
I am contacting you regarding the matter from the day before yesterday.