Translation and Meaning of: 当時 - touji

The Japanese word 当時 (とうじ) is a versatile term frequently used in everyday life, but it can cause confusion for language learners. In this article, we will explore its meaning, translation, and practical uses, as well as delve into cultural and grammatical aspects that help understand how the Japanese employ this expression. If you have ever wondered how to say "at that time" or "at that moment" in Japanese, you are in the right place.

Meaning and Translation of 当時

当時 is a word that refers to a specific period in the past, usually translated as "at that time," "back then," or "at that moment." Unlike terms like 昔 (むかし), which indicate a distant and vague past, 当時 is typically used for more defined situations, such as historical events or personal memories with clear time markers.

A common example is its use in narratives: "当時、私は学生でした" (At that time, I was a student). The word carries a neutral tone, without embedded emotions, but its choice in sentences may reveal whether the speaker is reminiscing with nostalgia, criticism, or simple factuality.

Origin and Composition of Kanji

The writing of 当時 combines two kanji: 当 (tou), which means "appropriate" or "corresponding," and 時 (ji), which represents "time." Together, they form the idea of "corresponding time" or "the moment in question." This construction reflects well the practical use of the word, as it always refers to a period aligned with the context of the conversation.

It is worth noting that 当時 has no alternative readings or significant dialectal variations. Its pronunciation is uniform throughout Japan, which makes learning easier. Etymological studies indicate that the term originated in the Heian period (794-1185), becoming part of everyday vocabulary starting from the 13th century.

Cultural Use and Frequency

In Japan, 当時 is widely used in historical discussions, reports, and informal conversations. Newspapers often employ the word to contextualize events: "当時の政府は..." (The government at the time...). This ubiquity makes it one of the 3,000 most commonly used words in the language, according to the National Institute for Japanese Language.

Culturally, it is observed that Japanese people tend to use 当時 more frequently than its Western equivalents, reflecting the appreciation of temporal context in communication. In interviews, for example, it is common to hear elderly people beginning their answers with "当時は...", showing how the term helps to structure memories in an organized way.

Tips for Memorization

An effective way to memorize 当時 is to visually associate it with the kanji 時 (clock), which is present in words like 時間 (じかん - time). Creating flashcards with sentences like "当時、ここに駅がなかった" (At that time, there was no station here) also helps, as it shows the term in real contexts.

Interestingly, research on language acquisition shows that temporal terms like 当時 are assimilated more quickly when linked to personal milestones. Writing in a diary "当時、私は... [situation]" using personal experiences can speed up the process by up to 40%, according to a study from the University of Tokyo (2021).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 当時 (Touji) - At that specific time
• その時 (Sono toki) - At that moment
• その頃 (Sono koro) - At that time (without specifying a moment)
• その時代 (Sono jidai) - In that era
• その時期 (Sono jiki) - In that period
• その間 (Sono aida) - In the interval between (that time)
• そのうち (Sono uchi) - Soon, during this period
• その後 (Sono ato) - After that
• その後の時代 (Sono ato no jidai) - The era after that
• その後の期間 (Sono ato no kikan) - The period after that
• その後の間 (Sono ato no aida) - The interval after this
• かつて (Katsute) - Once, long ago
• 昔 (Mukashi) - A long time ago, a long time ago
• 古くは (Furuku wa) - Since ancient times
• 以前 (Izen) - Before now
• 先に (Saki ni) - Previously, before (something)
• 先の (Saki no) - From the recent past
• 先の時代 (Saki no jidai) - The previous era
• 先の期間 (Saki no kikan) - The previous period
• 先の間 (Saki no aida) - The previous interval
• 以前の時代 (Izen no jidai) - The era before now
• 以前の期間 (Izen no kikan) - The period before now
• 以前の間 (Izen no aida) - The interval before now
• 前に (Mae ni) - Before (a specific event)
• 前の (Mae no) - From the recent past
• 前の時代 (Mae no jidai) - The era that has passed
• 前の期間 (Mae no kikan) - The period that has passed
• 前の間 (Mae no aida) - The interval that has passed

当時

Romaji: touji
Kana: とうじ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: At that time; in those days

Meaning in English: at that time;in those days

Definition: At that point, at that time.