Translation and Meaning of: 時計 - tokei

The Japanese word 時計[とけい] is essential for those learning the language or curious about Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in daily life. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing the term and curiosities that make this word even more interesting.

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese talk about watches or how this word appears in cultural contexts, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for students and enthusiasts of the Japanese language.

Meaning and origin of 時計

The word 時計[とけい] means "clock." It is composed of two kanji: 時 (toki, ji), which refers to "time," and 計 (kei), which means "to measure." Together, these characters form the idea of an object that measures time, that is, a clock.

The term originates from the Edo period (1603-1868), when mechanical clocks began to gain popularity in Japan. Before that, the Japanese used methods such as sundials and water clocks to measure time. The adoption of the word 時計 reflects the influence of Western technology in timekeeping.

Everyday use and examples

In daily life, 時計 is a quite common word. It appears in phrases like "時計を見る" (tokei o miru), which means "to look at the clock." It is also used in combinations like "腕時計" (udedokei), wristwatch, and "目覚まし時計" (mezamashidokei), alarm clock.

It is worth noting that, although 時計 (tokei) is the most generic form, there are specific variations for different types of clocks. For example, "掛け時計" (kakedokei) refers to wall clocks, while "柱時計" (hashiradokei) is used for those old-fashioned, column-shaped clocks. These distinctions illustrate how rich in detail the Japanese language is.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 時計 is to associate the kanjis that compose it. Remember that 時 represents "time" and 計 is related to "measure." Together, they form the idea of an instrument that measures time. This technique helps to solidify not only the word but also its components.

An interesting fact is that in Japan, public clocks tend to be extremely punctual, reflecting the importance of precision in Japanese culture. Additionally, at some train stations, schedules are announced with the word 時計 to ensure that passengers do not miss their trains.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 時計 (tokei) - Clock
• 腕時計 (udedokei) - Wristwatch
• チャイム (chaimu) - Bell, chime
• 時計台 (tokeidai) - Clock tower
• 時計じかけ (tokeijikake) - Clock mechanism
• 時計仕掛け (tokeishikake) - Mechanical watch
• 時計盤 (tokeiban) - Clock display
• 時計回り (tokeimaiwari) - Clockwise
• 時計回し (tokeimawashi) - Clock movement
• 時計針 (tokeibari) - Clock hand
• 時計音 (tokeion) - Sound of the clock
• 時計表 (tokeihyou) - Dial/Face of the watch
• 時計屋 (tokeiya) - Watch store
• 時計師 (tokeishi) - Watch/Master Watchmaker
• 時計修理 (tokeishuuri) - Watch repair
• 時計実験 (tokeijikken) - Clock Experiment
• 時計合わせ (tokeiawase) - Clock adjustment
• 時計見 (tokeimi) - Clock verification
• 時計文字 (tokeimoji) - Clock characters
• 時計文字盤 (tokeimojiban) - Watch display
• 時計針合わせ (tokeibari awase) - Clock needle adjustment
• 時計針合わせ器 (tokeibari awaseki) - Watch needle adjustment device
• 時計針修正器 (tokeibari shūseki) - Clock hand correction tool
• 時計針取り付け器 (tokeibari toritsukeki) - Watch needle installation tool
• 時計針取り外し器 (tokeibari torihazushi ki) - Watch needle removal tool
• 時計針交換器 (tokeibari koukanki) - Watch needle exchange device
• 時計針修理 (tokeibari shūri) - Watch needle repair

時計

Romaji: tokei
Kana: とけい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: Wristwatch

Meaning in English: watch;clock

Definition: A tool to tell time.

Example Sentences - (時計) tokei

See below some example sentences:

私の時計は壊れました。

Watashi no tokei wa kowaremashita

My watch broke.

My watch was broken.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle indicating possession, equivalent to "my"
• 時計 - noun meaning "watch"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• 壊れました - verb meaning "broke" or "is broken", conjugated in the past tense

この腕時計を着けるのはとても簡単です。

Kono udedokei wo tsukeru no wa totemo kantan desu

Wearing this watch is very easy.

• この - this
• 腕時計 - Wristwatch
• を - direct object particle
• 着ける - use, place
• のは - particle that indicates topic
• とても - very
• 簡単 - easy
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

私は時計を回す。

Watashi wa tokei wo mawasu

I turn the clock.

I turn the clock.

• 私 - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 時計 - means "clock" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 回す - means "to turn" in Japanese

私の目覚まし時計は毎日少しずつずれる。

Watashi no mezamashi tokei wa mainichi sukoshi zutsu zureru

My alarm clock is a little late every day.

My alarm clock changes gradually every day.

• 私の - "Meu" in Japanese
• 目覚まし時計 - "despertador" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 毎日 - "todos os dias" in Japanese
• 少しずつ - "pouco a pouco" in Japanese
• ずれる - "deslocar-se" in Japanese