Time Expressions
Tell time, days of week, and dates.
Making Plans
Imagine you are in Tokyo and want to meet a friend. To coordinate, you need to be able to specify exactly when you are free. Whether it is a specific hour, a day of the week, or a date on the calendar, Japanese uses specific structures to anchor these moments in time.
いつあいますか？
いつ会いますか？
When shall we meet?
げつようびのさんじにあいましょう。
月曜日の三時に会いましょう。
Let's meet on Monday at 3:00.
Time Structure
In Japanese, time expressions generally follow a 'large to small' order: Year → Month → Day → Day of Week → Time.
Tip
Examples
See how these expressions work in full sentences.
八時に起きます。
I wake up at 8:00.
日曜日に勉強します。
I study on Sunday.
五月十日に日本へ行きます。
I will go to Japan on May 10th.
私は七時【に】寝ます。
Hint: Use the particle for specific time.
I sleep at 7:00.
Usage Nuance
Knowing when to omit 'に' is just as important as knowing when to use it.
に usage
七時に
Used with specific clock time
七時に食べます
今日
Omit 'に' with relative time
今日食べます
Which sentence is correct?
- 明日に行きます
- 明日にいきます
- ✓ 明日いきます
Relative time words like 'tomorrow' (明日) do not take the particle に.
Deep Dive: Dates
Japanese dates use specific counters for days 1-10, 14, 20, and 24.
Summary
Time expressions help you organize your schedule. Remember to use 'に' for specific times and days, but omit it for relative time words like 'today' or 'tomorrow'.