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

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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