時間 — meaning in English: time

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時間

jikan

区

コントラスト

生活

アート

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 時間 (jikan) in everyday conversations to discuss schedules or routines, such as asking about meeting times or how long an event will last. For instance, you might hear someone say, 'この会議はどのくらいの時間がかかりますか？' (How much time will this meeting take?).

Synonyms & nuances

While 時間 (jikan) specifically refers to time as a measurable unit, the word タイム (taimu), borrowed from English, is often used in contexts like sports or competitions. You would choose 時間 when discussing everyday life or schedules, while タイム tends to be used in more specialized or competitive contexts.

Culture

The word 時間 (jikan) reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on punctuality and the value of time management. Interestingly, the kanji for 時 (time/hour) and 間 (interval/space) combined illustrate the concept of time as both a measurable and an experiential phenomenon, highlighting how deeply ingrained time is in Japanese culture.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 時間 in English?

時間 (jikan) translates to 'time' in English, encompassing both the concept of time as a measurement and the duration of events.

Q.How do you use 時間 in a sentence?

You can use 時間 in sentences like '私たちは3時間かかります' (It will take us three hours), showing how to express durations.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 時間?

A common mistake is confusing 時間 with the word 時 (toki), which means 'when' or 'time' in a less formal context. Remember that 時間 specifically refers to measurable time.

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