Translation and Meaning of: 一昨日 - issakujitsu

If you have already studied Japanese, you have probably come across the word 一昨日 (いっさくじつ), which means "the day before yesterday." But do you know how this term originated or why it is written with these kanji? In this article, we will explore the etymology, everyday usage, and even some curiosities about this expression that, despite seeming simple, has a fascinating history. Furthermore, you will learn how to memorize it effectively and discover why it is so useful in everyday life in Japan.

Many people search on Google not only for the meaning of 一昨日 but also its origin and how to use it in sentences. Here at Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you can also find practical examples to study in Anki or other spaced repetition programs. Let's uncover all of this next!

Etymology and origin of 一昨日

The word 一昨日 is composed of three kanjis: 一 (ichi, "one"), 昨 (saku, "yesterday") and 日 (nichi/jitsu, "day"). Literally, it means "one day before yesterday," which makes perfect sense to express "the day before yesterday." What's interesting is that the kanji 昨 already carries the idea of the past, reinforcing the notion of time going backward.

In ancient Japanese, this word was pronounced as "ototoi", but over time, the reading いっさくじつ (issakujitsu) gained prominence, especially in more formal contexts. Interestingly, in some regional dialects, it is still possible to hear variations such as "issakunichi" or even "ototsui", showing how the language evolves differently depending on the region.

Usage in everyday life and tips for memorization

In Japan, 一昨日 is a quite common word, especially in everyday conversations. If you want to say something like "It rained a lot the day before yesterday," just use 一昨日は大雨でした (いっさくじつはおおあめでした). Notice how it fits naturally into the sentence structure?

A foolproof tip for memorizing this word is to associate the kanji 昨 with "yesterday" and think that 一 is pulling even further back in time. Another trick is to create a mental image: imagine a calendar where you cross out the day of yesterday (昨日) and then take another step back, arriving at the day before yesterday (一昨日). It works like a charm!

Curiosities and related searches

Did you know that many people search on Google for things like "difference between 一昨日 and おととい"? The truth is that おととい is simply the kun'yomi (Japanese) reading of the same word, while いっさくじつ is the on'yomi (Chinese) reading. Both are correct, but the first sounds more colloquial, while the second is more commonly used in formal texts.

Another common search is about the correct writing of kanji. Some confuse 一昨日 with 二昨日 (which would mean "two days before yesterday"), but the latter form doesn't officially exist! This shows how small details can completely change the meaning of a word in Japanese. Stay alert!