6+ What Time 使い方 References

英語で「久しぶり！」と言ってみる②：「It’s been a long time!」 eigolab(えいごラボ） from eigo-lab.com

Introduction

If you are planning to visit Japan or have recently started learning Japanese, you might have come across the phrase “What Time” in Japanese. This phrase is commonly used to ask for the time and is an essential part of daily conversation. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to use “What Time” in Japanese and provide you with some useful tips to master this phrase.

What is “What Time” in Japanese?

In Japanese, “What Time” is expressed as “nan-ji desu ka” (何時ですか). This phrase is used to ask for the time and is considered polite and formal. You can use this phrase to ask for the time in any situation, whether it is a formal or informal setting.

The Basic Usage of “What Time”

The basic usage of “What Time” is to ask for the current time. You can use this phrase by simply saying “nan-ji desu ka” (何時ですか). The person you are asking will respond by telling you the time of the day.

Asking for Specific Time

If you want to ask for a specific time, you can use the phrase “~ji ni” (～時に). For example, if you want to ask what time a movie starts, you can say “eiga wa nan-ji ni hajimari masu ka” (映画は何時に始まりますか).

Asking for Time Duration

If you want to ask for the duration of an event, you can use the phrase “~kan kakaru” (～時間かかる). For example, if you want to ask how long it takes to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by train, you can say “tokyo kara kyoto made densha de ikimasu to nan-jikan kakarimasu ka” (東京から京都まで電車で行きますと何時間かかりますか).

Using “What Time” in Formal Settings

In formal settings, it is important to use the appropriate level of politeness when asking for the time. You can use the phrase “shitsurei shimasu ga” (失礼しますが) before asking for the time to show respect. For example, you can say “shitsurei shimasu ga, ima nan-ji desu ka” (失礼しますが、今何時ですか).

Using “What Time” in Informal Settings

In informal settings, you can use the phrase “itsu” (いつ) to ask for the time. This phrase is more casual and can be used with friends or family. For example, you can say “itsu kaeru no?” (いつ帰るの？) to ask what time someone is going home.

Using “What Time” in Different Scenarios

“What Time” can be used in different scenarios, such as making plans, scheduling appointments, or asking for opening hours. You can use this phrase to ask for the time of a specific event or to confirm the time of a meeting.

Some Useful Tips

To master the usage of “What Time” in Japanese, here are some useful tips:

Practice asking for the time in different situations
Listen to how native speakers use “What Time” in conversation
Learn the different ways to express time in Japanese
Pay attention to the level of politeness when using “What Time” in formal settings

Conclusion

“What Time” is an essential phrase in Japanese and is used in various situations. By mastering this phrase, you can have more meaningful conversations and avoid confusion when planning events or making appointments. With these tips and tricks, you can confidently use “What Time” in Japanese and enhance your language skills.