In the Japanese language, prepositions of time play a crucial role in expressing when an action occurs. Understanding these prepositions is essential for effective communication and accurate expression of time-related information. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to Japanese prepositions of time, including their usage, examples, and important points to remember.
Basic Time Prepositions:
The basic prepositions of time in Japanese include “ni” (に), “de” (で), and “ni mo” (にも). Each preposition has its own specific usage and conveys slightly different meanings.
a. “Ni” (に):
The preposition “ni” is commonly used to express specific points in time, such as dates, days of the week, or times. It indicates the target time at which an action occurs.
Example sentences:
Watashi wa getsuyōbi ni eiga o mimasu. (わたしは げつようび に えいがを みます。)
(I watch movies on Mondays.)
Kyō wa watashi no tanjōbi desu. (きょうは わたしの たんじょうび です。)
(Today is my birthday.)
b. “De” (で):
The preposition “de” is used to indicate the location or means of an action taking place. It is often used with time expressions to show where or how an event occurs.
Example sentences:
Gakkō de benkyō shimasu. (がっこう で べんきょう します。)
(I study at school.)
Getsuyōbi de tomodachi to asobimasu. (げつようび で ともだち と あそびます。)
(I play with friends on Mondays.)
c. “Ni mo” (にも):
The preposition “ni mo” combines the meanings of “ni” and “mo” and is used to express “also” or “too” in relation to time. It indicates that an action occurs at the same time as another event.
Example sentences:
Watashi wa asa ni mo jogingu o shimasu. (わたしは あさ にも じょぎんぐ お します。)
(I also go jogging in the morning.)
Kinō wa yoru ni mo benkyō shita. (きのうは よる にも べんきょう した。)
(I studied last night as well.)
Using Prepositions for Duration:
Prepositions of time in Japanese are also used to indicate the duration of an action or event. The prepositions commonly used for this purpose are “kara” (から) and “made” (まで).
a. “Kara” (から):
The preposition “kara” denotes the starting point of a duration and is used to express “from” or “since” a specific time. It marks the beginning of an action or event.
Example sentences:
San-ji kara yon-ji made benkyō shimasu. (さんじ から よんじ まで べんきょう します。)
(I study from 3 o’clock to 4 o’clock.)
Kyō kara ashita made ryokō shimasu. (きょう から あした まで りょこう します。)
(I will travel from today to tomorrow.)
b. “Made” (まで):
The preposition “made” is used to indicate the endpoint or limit of a duration. It expresses “until” or “till” a specific time or event.
Example sentences:
Yon-ji made nemasu. (よんじ まで ねます。)
(I sleep until 4 o’clock.)
Getsuyōbi made ni kodomo wa gakkō ni ikimasu. (げつようび まで に こども は がっこう に いきます。)
(Children go to school until Monday.)
Expressing Frequency:
Japanese prepositions of time can also be used to express the frequency of an action. The prepositions commonly used for this purpose are “mae ni” (まえに) and “go” (ご).
a. “Mae ni” (まえに):
The preposition “mae ni” is used to indicate an action taking place before a specific time or event. It translates to “before” in English.
Example sentences:
Shigoto ni iku mae ni asagohan o tabemasu. (しごと に いく まえ に あさごはん を たべます。)
(I have breakfast before going to work.)
Kaigi no mae ni o-shirase o okurimasu. (かいぎ の まえ に おしらせ を おくります。)
(I will send a notice before the meeting.)
b. “Go” (ご):
The preposition “go” is used to express actions occurring after a particular time or event. It can be translated as “after” in English.
Example sentences:
Hachi-ji go ni denwa o shimasu. (はちじ ご に でんわ を します。)
(I will make a phone call after 8 o’clock.)
Gogo go-ji go kōen de aimashō. (ごご ごじ ご こうえん で あいましょう。)
(Let’s meet at the park after 5 p.m.)
Important Points to Remember:
Japanese prepositions of time are essential for accurately expressing when an action occurs.
“Ni” (に) is used for specific points in time, “de” (で) indicates the location or means of an action, and “ni mo” (にも) expresses “also” or “too” in relation to time.
“Kara” (から) denotes the starting point of a duration, while “made” (まで) indicates the endpoint or limit of a duration.
“Mae ni” (まえに) is used for actions occurring before a specific time or event, and “go” (ご) expresses actions occurring after a particular time or event.
By understanding and using these prepositions correctly, you will be able to express time-related information accurately in Japanese. Practice using these prepositions in various contexts to improve your fluency and confidence in discussing time-related topics.
Originally posted 2023-07-13 17:35:32.