時間

jikan

noun★Beginner

formal

Time; period of time

時間を守ることが大切です

It's important to keep time.

時間が足りない

There isn't enough time.

💡

Can refer to a specific duration or the abstract concept of time.

informal

Hour (as a unit of time)

一時間待ちました

I waited for an hour.

💡

When counting hours, often used with numbers (e.g., 一時間, 二時間).

Collocations

時間を使うto use time時間を無駄にするto waste time時間を計るto measure time

時間が経つphrase

time passes

時間をかけるphrase

to take time

When counting hours, use '時間' (e.g., 一時間, 二時間). For minutes, use '分' (e.g., 十五分).

In Japanese culture, being on time is highly valued, so '時間を守る' (keeping time) is important.

Combination of '時' (time) and '間' (interval/space between).

Can be used in both abstract and concrete contexts. Often used in expressions about time management and punctuality.

時

time

root

間

interval/space between

root

✎ Noted on May 31, 2026JA → EN