General term for time as a concept, duration, or a point in time. Used in many common expressions.
時間が経つのは早い。
Time passes quickly.
もう時間がない。
There's no time left.
Specifically refers to a period of 60 minutes, or used when counting hours.
ここから駅まで一時間かかる。
It takes one hour from here to the station.
三時間待った。
I waited for three hours.
I time how long the cooking takes.
This task takes time.
The third period is math.
He is always punctual.
I ended up being late for the train.
I killed time reading a book while waiting for my friend.
Even when I'm busy, I try to make time for my family.
時間 refers to time alone, while 時空 combines both time and space into a single four-dimensional concept.
時間 is the general word for 'hour' or 'time', while 時限 specifically denotes a numbered class period, though both are used in phrases like 一時間目／一時限目 for 'first period'.
時 as a suffix pinpoints a specific moment or occasion, whereas 時間 refers to a stretch or duration of time.
時間 marks a duration measured in hours, whereas 分間 marks a duration measured in minutes.
時間 is the general word for time as a measurable quantity or clock time, while 歳月 specifically emphasizes the flow and accumulated weight of many years.
開始時刻 refers to a specific clock time when something begins, whereas 時間 can mean either a duration or a general point in time, making it broader in scope.
time running out; being out of time; deadline having passed · time-out; loss or stoppage when time expires
allotted time; time limit · teaching load (in hours)
timetable; schedule
daylight saving time; summer time
period (e.g. class)
sleeping hours; hours of sleep
consultation hours; doctor's office hours; surgery hours
(your) time
half an hour
same time (of day)
real time
a few hours; several hours
hourly leave; time off by the hour
by time; time-based; hourly