時間
時間が経つのは早いですね。
Time flies, isn't it?
The thing that is measured in minutes, hours, days, etc., by which events are ordered from the past through the present into the future
時間を大切に使いましょう。
Let's use our time wisely.
この仕事には時間がかかります。
This job takes time.
Can also refer to a specific point in time (e.g., 今の時間 'current time').
A period during which something happens or someone does something
勉強する時間が足りません。
I don't have enough time to study.
自由な時間を過ごす。
Spend free time.
Often used with possessive particles (e.g., 私の時間 'my time').
Pro Tip
Time vs. Hours
時間 can mean both 'time' in general and 'hours' (e.g., 3時間 = '3 hours'). Context clarifies the meaning.
Gold Rule
When to use 時間
Use 時間 for abstract time ('I have time') or durations ('2 hours'). For specific moments ('at 3 PM'), use 時刻 or 時.
Word Origin
From Middle Chinese 時間 (ʑiɪm tɦɐn, 'time, period'). The kanji 時間 is a jukujikun (熟字訓) reading of the compound.
Usage Notes
時間 is the most common word for 'time' in Japanese, covering both abstract and concrete senses. It is often used in compound words (e.g., 時間割 'timetable', 時間帯 'time slot').