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.
昨日は雨でした。
It was rainy yesterday.
昨日、映画を見ました。
I watched a movie yesterday.
A formal version of 'yesterday', used in business, news, or polite writing. Not typically used in casual conversation.
昨日、会議が行われました。
A meeting was held yesterday.
Referring to two days before today.
The standard word for 'the day before yesterday'.
一昨日はとても暑かった。
The day before yesterday was very hot.
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.
昨日の朝、ジョギングをしました。
I went jogging yesterday morning.
昨日の夜は何をしましたか。
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.
昨日、友達と遊んだ。
I hung out with a friend yesterday.
昨日、弊社にて会議がございました。
Yesterday, there was a meeting at our company.
A formal version of 'the day before yesterday', rarely used outside very formal writing.
一昨日の件についてご連絡いたします。
I am contacting you regarding the matter from the day before yesterday.