Translation and Meaning of: 時間 - jikan

The Japanese word 時間[じかん] is one of those that every language learner encounters early on, but it holds fascinating nuances about how the Japanese perceive and organize time. In this article, we will explore its literal meaning, everyday uses, and even how it reflects cultural aspects of Japan. If you have ever wondered why this word appears so often in animes, series, or even in formal conversations, you will find the answer here.

In addition to being essential for scheduling meetings or planning the day, 時間 carries an interesting relationship with Japanese precision and discipline. Let's see how it differs from similar terms, its historical origins, and even tips to memorize it without confusion. Get ready to understand why this word goes far beyond a simple "time".

Meaning and everyday usage of 時間

Translated directly as "time" or "hour," 時間[じかん] is used for both chronological periods ("I have two free hours") and specific moments ("What time is it?"). Unlike English, where "time" and "hour" are separate words, Japanese uses the same term for both concepts, requiring attention to context.

In everyday situations, you will hear 時間 in phrases like 時間がありますか (Do you have time?) or 時間が足りない (There is not enough time). The word also frequently appears at train stations, as the Japanese are known for their punctuality. A curious detail: in formal contexts, such as work meetings, it is common to specify 開始時間 (start time) and 終了時間 (end time) with precision.

The origin and the kanjis of 時間

The composition of 時間 reveals much about its meaning. The first kanji, 時, represents "time" or "hour," while 間 means "interval" or "space between." Together, they form the idea of "space of time," something that flows between two points. This notion of temporality as something measurable and divisible is central to the Japanese language.

Historically, 時間 gained popularity during the Meiji Era (1868-1912), when Japan adopted the Western time system. Before that, the Japanese used divisions of the day based on natural cycles, such as sunrise and sunset. The kanji 時, for example, originally represented the movement of the sun (日) over the earth (土), reinforcing this ancient connection with nature.

Tips for memorizing and avoiding confusion

A common difficulty for students is to differentiate 時間 from 時刻[じこく], which specifically refers to a point on the clock (e.g., "It is 3:15"). To remember, think that 時間 is about duration ("I watched a movie for two hours"), while 時刻 is a fixed moment ("The train leaves at 7:30"). This distinction is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.

A useful technique is to associate the kanji 間 with "space" – after all, you measure a "space of time." Another tip is to create flashcards with practical sentences like 勉強する時間です (It's time to study). According to research on vocabulary acquisition, this contextual method increases retention by up to 40% compared to memorizing isolated words.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 時刻 (jikoku) - Specific time or moment.
• 期間 (kikan) - Duration or time interval.
• 期限 (kigen) - Deadline or time limit for a task.
• 時代 (jidai) - Era or historical period.
• 時期 (jiki) - Period or phase in a specific time.
• 期末 (kimatsu) - End of an academic period.
• 時間帯 (jikan-tai) - Time slot or specific period of the day.
• 時間制限 (jikan seigen) - Time limit imposed on activities.
• 時間外 (jikan-gai) - Outside of regular hours.
• 時間割 (jikanwari) - Class schedule or timetable.
• 時間表 (jikan-hyou) - Tabela de horários.
• 時間短縮 (jikan tanshuku) - Reduction of time needed for a task.
• 時間調整 (jikan chousei) - Time adjustment for event coordination.
• 時間管理 (jikan kanri) - Gestão do tempo.
• 時間割り当て (jikan wariate) - Allocation of time to different tasks or activities.
• 時間帯別設定 (jikan-tai betsu settei) - Differentiated configuration by time slot.
• 時間帯変更 (jikan-tai henko) - Change of time slots.
• 時間帯別予約 (jikan-tai betsu yoyaku) - Differentiated reservations by time slot.
• 時間帯別利用 (jikan-tai betsu riyou) - Differentiated use by time slot.

時間

Romaji: jikan
Kana: じかん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: time

Meaning in English: time

Definition: Time: A physical concept that describes the context and the elapsed interval of events.

Example Sentences - (時間) jikan

See below some example sentences:

私は長時間働いた後にはばてる。

Watashi wa choujikan hataraita ato ni wa bateru

I get exhausted after working for a long time.

After working for a long time.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 長時間 (choujikan) - noun meaning "long period of time"
• 働いた (hataraita) - past tense verb meaning "I worked"
• 後に (ato ni) - expression meaning "after"
• はばてる (habateru) - verb meaning "to be exhausted"

私は新しい環境に慣れるのに時間がかかります。

Watashi wa atarashii kankyō ni nareru no ni jikan ga kakarimasu

It takes time to get used to a new environment.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 新しい - 新しい (atarashii)
• 環境 - Japanese noun that means "environment"
• に - Japanese particle that indicates action towards something or a place.
• 慣れる - Japanese verb that means "to get used to"
• のに - Japanese particle that indicates the purpose or objective of an action.
• 時間 - Japanese noun that means "time"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• かかります - Japanese verb meaning "to take time."

私たちは一緒に素晴らしい時間を過ごしました。

Watashitachi wa issho ni subarashii jikan o sugoshimashita

We had a wonderful time together.

We had a wonderful time together.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 一緒に - "Juntos" in Japanese is "一緒に" (issho ni).
• 素晴らしい - "Maravilhoso" em japonês
• 時間を - "Tempo" em japonês
• 過ごしました - "Passamos" in Japanese is "私たちは通りました" (Watashitachi wa toorimashita).

私の時間割は毎週月曜日から金曜日までです。

Watashi no jikanwari wa maishuu getsuyoubi kara kin'youbi made desu

My schedule is Monday through Friday every Monday.

• 私の時間割 - "My schedule" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 毎週 - "Every week" in Japanese
• 月曜日 - "Monday" in Japanese
• から - "From" in Japanese
• 金曜日 - "Friday" in Japanese
• まで - "Until" in Japanese
• です - polite way of "being" in Japanese