Translation and Meaning of: 今朝 - kesa

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 今朝[けさ]. It is common in everyday life and appears in conversations, texts, and even in songs. But what exactly does it mean? How is it used in daily life? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical use of this word, as well as tips to memorize it easily. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo is an excellent option.

Meaning and translation of 今朝 [けさ]

The word 今朝[けさ] means "this morning." It is used to refer to the morning period of the current day, as in phrases like "今朝は寒かった" (けさはさむかった – "This morning was cold"). Unlike "朝" (あさ), which means "morning" in general, 今朝 specifies the day in question.

It is worth noting that, although it is a simple word, its pronunciation can confuse beginners. The reading is all in hiragana (けさ), without mixing kanji and kana, which makes writing easier. If you are learning Japanese, it is a great addition to your basic vocabulary.

Origin and composition of kanji

The word 今朝[けさ] is composed of two kanji: 今 (いま – "now") and 朝 (あさ – "morning"). Together, they form the meaning of "current morning" or "this morning." This combination is common in Japanese to indicate specific periods, such as 今週 (こんしゅう – "this week") and 今月 (こんげつ – "this month").

Interestingly, although the kanji 朝 is usually read as あさ, in 今朝 the reading changes to けさ. This type of variation is common in Japanese and can be a challenge for students, but it is also an opportunity to better understand how kanjis work in different contexts.

How to use 今朝[けさ] in everyday life

In day-to-day life, 今朝[けさ] appears in both informal and formal conversations. For example, when greeting someone, you can say "今朝はよく眠れましたか？" (けさはよくねむれましたか？ – "Did you sleep well this morning?"). It is also common in reports about the weather, such as "今朝は雨が降っていた" (けさはあめがふっていた – "It rained this morning").

A tip to memorize this word is to associate it with morning activities. If you usually have breakfast early, try thinking "今朝、コーヒーを飲んだ" (けさ、コーヒーをのんだ – "I had coffee this morning"). Repeating phrases like this helps to establish vocabulary naturally.