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午後 — meaning in English: afternoon

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Guess the translation for afternoon
午後
gogo
現在
genzai
データベース
dētābēsu
石炭
sekitan
購入
kounyuu
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 午後 (gogo) when discussing plans or activities that take place after noon and before evening. For instance, you might hear it in conversations about meeting friends for coffee or scheduling a doctor's appointment in the afternoon.
Synonyms & nuances
A similar word is 昼 (hiru), which means 'daytime' and refers to the period between morning and afternoon. The difference lies in specificity; while 昼 can encompass all hours of the day, 午後 precisely identifies the period after noon, making it ideal for scheduling.
Culture
The word 午後 (gogo) is composed of two kanji: 午, which historically relates to the time of day when the sun is at its highest, and 后, meaning 'after.' This makes the word not just a measurement of time but also a connection to the natural rhythms of the day. Interestingly, in Japanese culture, the afternoon is often when the pace of life slows down, and it's common for people to enjoy quiet moments, reflecting the cultural appreciation for balance and tranquility.
FAQ
Q.What does 午後 mean in English?
午後 (gogo) translates to 'afternoon' in English, specifically referring to the time after 12 PM and before evening.
Q.How do you use 午後 in a sentence?
You can use 午後 by saying something like '午後3時に会いましょう' (Let's meet at 3 PM in the afternoon). This shows how the word fits neatly into discussions about time.
Q.Is there a common mistake when using 午後?
A common mistake is to confuse 午後 with 午前 (gozen), which means 'morning.' Make sure to use 午後 for afternoon settings to avoid mix-ups!
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