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日本語
時間 — meaning in English: time
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hour
うそ
uso
支払い
shiharai
時間
jikan
コーナー
市民
shimin
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native Japanese speakers commonly use the word '時間' when discussing daily schedules, making plans, or considering deadlines. For instance, you might hear it in a conversation about when to meet for lunch or in a classroom setting when asking about the duration of a class.
Synonyms & nuances
'時間' is commonly interchangeably used with '時' (toki), but while '時' refers more to specific points in time, '時間' denotes a more general sense of duration or passage of time. You'd use '時間' when discussing how long something takes, while '時' would be appropriate when referring to the time of day.
Culture
'時間' has its roots in the classical Chinese word for time, reflecting a deep-seated understanding of temporal concepts in East Asian cultures. The cultural significance of time in Japan is profound, as it often influences social behavior, such as punctuality being highly valued in both personal and professional settings.
FAQ
