Translation and Meaning of: 時 - toki

The Japanese word 時[とき] is one of those that every language student encounters early in their journey. It carries deep meanings and varied uses, ranging from chronological time to emotional and philosophical moments. In this article, we will explore what makes this word so special, including its origin, translation, and how it is perceived in Japanese culture.

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese understand the concept of time or how this word appears in everyday expressions, you are in the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations for those who want to truly master Japanese. Shall we get started?

The meaning and origin of 時[とき]

The word 時[とき] is often translated as "time" or "hour," but its meaning goes beyond that. It can refer to both a specific moment and a broader era. The kanji 時 is composed of the radical 日 (sun) and 寺 (temple), suggesting an ancient relationship with the measurement of time through the observation of the sun.

In the Japanese language, とき is used in contexts ranging from everyday language to more poetic expressions. Unlike Portuguese, where "tempo" can refer to both chronos (chronological time) and kairos (opportune moment), Japanese often uses 時 for both concepts, depending on the context.

How 時[とき] is used in modern Japanese

In daily life, Japanese people use とき to mark specific events or situations. Phrases like "その時" (at that moment) or "食事の時" (at mealtime) are common and demonstrate how the word is embedded in everyday communication. It also appears in fixed expressions, such as "時々" (sometimes) or "一時" (for a while).

It is worth noting that とき has a more subjective use than words like 時間 (jikan), which refers to chronological and measurable time. While 時間 is used for times and durations, とき captures the idea of significant moments or personal experiences. This nuance is important for those who want to sound natural when speaking Japanese.

The cultural perception of time through 時[とき]

In Japan, the word とき holds a worldview that values both precision and impermanence. On one hand, Japanese punctuality is famous, showing respect for others' time. On the other hand, concepts like "mono no aware" (the sensitivity to the transience of things) reveal an acceptance of the passage of time as something natural and even beautiful.

This duality appears in Japanese literature and cinema, where 時 often symbolizes both the inevitability of change and the importance of living in the present. Studio Ghibli films, for example, frequently explore this complex relationship with time, using とき as a bridge between the mundane and the philosophical.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 刻 (koku) - Moment, instant
• 時刻 (jikoku) - hour, specific moment in time
• 時間 (jikan) - time, duration; refers to time in general
• 時代 (jidai) - era, period; refers to a historical period
• 時期 (jiki) - period, phase; a specific part within a broader time frame
• 時点 (jiten) - point in time; a specific moment considered as a milestone
• 時候 (jikō) - season; refers to a time or period
• 時間帯 (jikan-tai) - time slot, defined period within the daily schedule
• 時間割 (jikanwari) - schedule, time management, especially in educational contexts
• 時計 (tokei) - watch; an instrument used to measure time
• 時間表 (jikan-hyō) - schedule table; visual representation of scheduled times
• 時間制限 (jikan seigen) - time limit; time-related restriction
• 時間差 (jikan sa) - difference in time; interval between two moments
• 時間的 (jikan-teki) - temporal; related to time
• 時間的な (jikan-teki na) - temporal; adjective related to time restrictions
• 時間的に (jikan-teki ni) - temporarily; related to a context of time
• 時間的要因 (jikan-teki yōin) - temporal factors; elements that affect the weather
• 時間的に限定される (jikan-teki ni gentei sareru) - temporarily limited; restrictions that occur over time
• 時間的に重要な (jikan-teki ni jūyō na) - temporarily important; something that holds relevance over time
• 時間的な制約 (jikan-teki na seiyaku) - time restriction; limitations related to time periods
• 時間的な制限 (jikan-teki na seigen) - time limitation; conditions that restrict the use of time
• 時間的な制約条件 (jikan-teki na seiyaku jōken) - temporal restriction conditions; criteria that define time limitations
• 時間的な制限事項 (jikan-teki na seigen jikō) - time restriction items; aspects that make up time limitations
• 時間的な制限要因 (jikan-teki na seigen yōin) - temporal limitations factors; causes that lead to time constraints
• 時間的な制約事項 (jikan-teki na seiyaku jikō) - time restriction items; aspects that define how the limitations should be applied
• 時間的な制約条件事項 (jikan-teki na seiyaku jōken jikō) - items of temporal restriction conditions; elements that establish the parameters of time limitations
• 時間的な制限条件 (jikan-teki na seigen jōken) - time limitation conditions; parameters that define time-related restrictions

時

Romaji: toki
Kana: とき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: time; hour; occasion

Meaning in English: time;hour;occasion

Definition: The flow of a certain moment. unit of time.

Example Sentences - (時) toki

See below some example sentences:

この処理は時間がかかります。

Kono shori wa jikan ga kakarimasu

This process takes time.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 処理 - noun meaning "processing" or "handling"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 時間 - noun meaning "time"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• かかります - verb meaning "to take time" or "to be slow", conjugated in the present tense

この建物は明治時代に建てられました。

Kono tatemono wa Meiji jidai ni tateraremashita

This building was built during the Meiji era.

This building was built in the Meiji era.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 建物 - noun meaning "building"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "this building"
• 明治時代 - compound noun meaning "Meiji Era", a period of Japanese history that took place between 1868 and 1912
• に - particle that indicates the time when something happened, in this case, "it was built in the Meiji Era"
• 建てられました - past passive verb meaning "was built"

この時期は花粉症がひどいです。

Kono jiki wa kafunshou ga hidoi desu

This time

Right now, hay fever is terrible.

• この時期 - current period
• は - Topic particle
• 花粉症 - pollen allergy
• が - subject particle
• ひどい - severe, intense
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

レジャーは私たちの生活に必要なリフレッシュの時間です。

Rejā wa watashitachi no seikatsu ni hitsuyōna rifureshu no jikan desu

Leisure is a refreshing time necessary for our lives.

• レジャー - lazer
• は - Topic particle
• 私たち - we
• の - Possession particle
• 生活 - life
• に - Location particle
• 必要 - necessary
• な - adjective particle
• リフレッシュ - refreshment
• の - Possession particle
• 時間 - time
• です - to be (state verb)

一定の時間が必要です。

Ittei no jikan ga hitsuyou desu

You need some time.

• 一定の (ittei no) - It means "defined".
• 時間 (jikan) - means "time"
• が (ga) - grammatical particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - It means "necessary".
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

一日一生の大切な時間です。

Ichinichi isshou no taisetsu na jikan desu

A day is an important moment in life.

It is an important moment for a lifetime.

• 一日 (ichinichi) - um dia
• 一生 (isshou) - a lifetime
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 時間 (jikan) - time
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

休憩時間が必要です。

Kyūkei jikan ga hitsuyō desu

We need time to rest.

You need a breakout time.

• 休憩時間 - Rest time
• が - subject particle
• 必要 - necessary
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

何時までもあなたを愛しています。

Nanji made mo anata wo aishiteimasu

I will love you forever.

I love you forever.

• 何時までも - always
• あなたを - you
• 愛しています - love

僅かな時間しかありません。

Wazuka na jikan shika arimasen

I only have a little time.

• 僅かな - adjective meaning "little", "scarce".
• 時間 - noun meaning "time".
• しか - particle indicating "only", "solely".
• ありません - verb in the negative form meaning "there is not", "there is not".

傷ついた心は癒えるまで時間がかかる。

Kizutsuita kokoro wa ieru made jikan ga kakaru

A heart wound takes time to heal.

The wounded heart takes time to heal.

• 傷ついた - bruised, injured
• 心 - heart, mind
• は - Topic particle
• 癒える - heal
• まで - up until
• 時間 - time
• がかかる - takes time, requires time