時間
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time, hour, duration, time, clock time
/dʑiˈkaɴ/
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A measure of time expressed in hours, the exact clock time, or a school period in a timetable.
Examples
電車は五時間に出発する。
The train departs at time five.
五時間目の授業は体育です。
The fifth period is physical education.
この映画は一時間半です。
This movie is time one and a half hours.
授業は二時間続く。
The class continues for time two hours.
第二時間は数学です。
The second period is mathematics.
Meanings
Examples
二時間勉強した。
I studied for time of two hours.
三時間待った。
I waited for time three hours.
この映画は一時間半です。
This movie is time one and a half hours.
授業は二時間続く。
The class continues for time two hours.
旅行は五時間かかります。
The trip takes time five hours.
Examples
今の時間は何ですか？
What is the time now?
会議は三時間に始まります。
The meeting starts at time three.
電車は五時間に出発する。
The train departs at time five.
昼食の時間は十二時です。
The lunch time is twelve o'clock.
夜の時間は二時です。
The night time is two o'clock.
Examples
第一時間は国語です。
The first period is Japanese language.
第二時間は数学です。
The second period is mathematics.
昼休みは第三時間の後です。
Lunch break is after the third period.
今日の時間割は変更された。
Today's timetable was changed.
五時間目の授業は体育です。
The fifth period is physical education.
Etymology
From Middle Chinese 時間, borrowed into Japanese during the Meiji period to translate the Western concept of time.
FAQ
What does 時間 mean in Japanese?
時間 can refer to a span of hours, the exact clock time, or a school period in a timetable.
How is 時間 used to talk about duration?
Use 時間 with a number to indicate how many hours, for example 三時間 means three hours.
When should I use 時間 instead of 時?
Use 時間 for durations or school periods; use 時 for the specific hour without the suffix.
Can 時間 refer to a school period?
Yes, when combined with 目, e.g., 二時間目 means the second period.
Is 時間 ever used in a technical sense?
In physics it can refer to the concept of time, similar to the English word.
What are common mistakes with 時間?
Common errors include mixing it up with 時, forgetting the 目 suffix for periods, and using it for a specific clock time when 時 is needed.
How do I say “What time is it?” using 時間?
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