時
時 means time, an hour, or a specific moment. It is used in many essential words for telling time, describing periods, and expressing when something happens.
Reading
On’yomi: ジ (ji)
Kun’yomi: とき (toki)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 時 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | time, hour, when |
| Stroke Count | 10 |
| JLPT Level | N4 |
How to Understand This Kanji
時 refers to time both as a measurable unit and as a specific moment or occasion. 時間 emphasizes the duration or quantity of time, while 時 alone often points to a particular moment or context. In compound words and grammar patterns, 時 is also used to mean ‘when,’ linking an action to a specific point in time.
Common Words
- 時間（じかん / jikan） — time, hours, duration
- 時計（とけい / tokei） — clock, watch
- 時々（ときどき / tokidoki） — sometimes
- 時代（じだい / jidai） — era, age, period
- 何時（なんじ / nanji） — what time
- 一時（いちじ / ichiji） — one o’clock; for a time
Example Sentences
-
今、何時ですか。
いま、なんじですか。 / Ima, nanji desu ka.
What time is it now?
-
時々、図書館で勉強します。
ときどき、としょかんでべんきょうします。 / Tokidoki, toshokan de benkyou shimasu.
Sometimes I study at the library.
-
時間がないので、急いでください。
じかんがないので、いそいでください。 / Jikan ga nai node, isoide kudasai.
There is no time, so please hurry.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
The most useful words to learn first are 時間 (time, hours) and 何時 (what time). 時計 (clock or watch) is also essential for daily life. Note that 時々 means ‘sometimes’ and is formed by repeating 時. In grammar, the pattern V-る時 means ‘when doing something,’ which is used very frequently in natural Japanese.
Summary
時 is one of the most important kanji for talking about time, clocks, and when things happen.