Translation and Meaning of: 夜間 - yakan

Etymology and Meaning

The word 「夜間」, read as "yakan," is composed of two kanji: 「夜」 (ya), which means "night," and 「間」 (kan), which means "interval" or "time." Thus, the word "yakan" refers to the nighttime period, more precisely to the interval of time that occurs during the night.

Origin and Use of the Word

The expression "yakan" is regularly used to describe activities, events, or phenomena that occur at night. For example, 「夜間飛行」 (yakanhikou) means "night flight," while 「夜間学校」 (yakangakkou) refers to "night school." These variations are quite common in situations where specifying the nighttime period is relevant or necessary.

Everyday Applications

In Japan, the notion of "yakan" is particularly important due to the different cultural habits and social practices that occur at night. There is a clear distinction between daytime and nighttime activities in Japanese society, and this is reflected in uses like nighttime public transportation or the lighting of streets and entire neighborhoods. Thus, the word "yakan" carries with it a series of cultural implications that vary according to the context in which it is used.

Cultural and linguistic importance

Culturally, night has a distinct symbolism in Japan, often associated with specific festivals and traditions, such as "hanabi" (fireworks) and lantern festivals, which traditionally take place during yakan. Linguistically, this word still carries significant weight, not only due to its literal meaning but also because of the cultural associations attributed to it.

• 「夜間郵便」 (yakan yuubin) - Night mail
• "夜間診療" (yakan shinryou) - Night medical care
• "夜間労働" (yakan roudou) - Night work

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 夜中 (Yakan) - Midnight; night interval.
• 夜の間 (Yoru no aida) - During the night; night break.
• 夜の時間 (Yoru no jikan) - Nighttime; night time.
• 夜の時刻 (Yoru no jikoku) - Specific time of night.
• 夜間の時間 (Yakan no jikan) - Weather during the night (formal).
• 夜間の時刻 (Yakan no jikoku) - Specific time in the nighttime (formal).
• 夜の暗い時間 (Yoru no kurai jikan) - Dark hours of the night.
• 夜の暗い時刻 (Yoru no kurai jikoku) - Dark moments of the night.
• 夜の暗闇の時間 (Yoru no kurayami no jikan) - Time in the darkness of night.
• 夜の暗闇の時刻 (Yoru no kurayami no jikoku) - Moments of darkness in the night.

夜間

Romaji: yakan
Kana: やかん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: at night; night

Meaning in English: at night;nighttime

Definition: at night. The period of time from night until early morning.