Gaining an understanding of how to express “AM” and “PM” in Japanese is essential when it comes to communicating time effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express these terms, providing helpful tips and examples to assist you. Regrettably, there are no regional variations for this particular topic. So, let’s dive right in!
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Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or official appointments, using polite and respectful language is crucial. There are specific phrases you can employ to convey “AM” and “PM” formally:
- AM: 午前 (gozen)
- PM: 午後 (gogo)
These terms are widely used across Japan and understood by everyone. Here are a few examples to help you grasp their usage:
今から午前9時に会議を始めましょう。
(Ima kara gozen ku-ji ni kaigi o hajimemashou)
Let’s start the meeting at 9 AM from now on.
午後3時までに書類を提出してください。
(Gogo san-ji made ni shinro o teishutsu shite kudasai)
Please submit the documents by 3 PM.
In formal situations, it is vital to use the appropriate honorific language and show respect to others.
Informal Expressions
On the other hand, when speaking casually among friends or family, a different set of expressions is commonly used. These informal ways of expressing “AM” and “PM” in Japanese are as follows:
- AM: 午前 (gozen) or 午前中 (gozenchuu)
- PM: 午後 (gogo) or 午後中 (gogochuu)
Using the additional word “中 (chuu)” or “中 (gochuu)” emphasizes that something will take place “in the morning” or “in the afternoon,” respectively. Let’s see a couple of examples:
明日午前中は友達と映画を見に行きます。
(Ashita gozenchuu wa tomodachi to eiga o mi ni ikimasu)
Tomorrow morning, I’m going to watch a movie with my friends.
午後中はショッピングに行くつもりです。
(Gogochuu wa shoppingu ni iku tsumori desu)
I plan to go shopping in the afternoon.
These informal expressions allow for a more casual and relaxed conversation, mainly when speaking with close acquaintances.
Additional Tips
To enhance your understanding of expressing time in Japanese, here are a few additional tips:
- 24-Hour Clock: While Japanese commonly use the 12-hour clock system, the 24-hour clock system (also known as military time) is also understood. For example, instead of saying “午後6時 (gogo roku-ji)” (6 PM), you can use “18時 (juu-hachi-ji)” (18:00).
- Avoid Ambiguity: In some cases, stating the specific hour may not be sufficient. Therefore, supplementing it with phrases like “朝 (asa)” (morning), “昼 (hiru)” (noon), or “夜 (yoru)” (night) helps avoid any confusion. For instance, “夜8時 (yoru hachi-ji)” makes it clear that you are referring to 8 PM and not 8 AM.
- Practice and Listen: To truly master the art of expressing time in Japanese, regular practice and attentive listening are indispensable. Take advantage of language learning resources, converse with native speakers, and immerse yourself in Japanese media.
By following these tips, you’ll gradually become more comfortable discussing time in Japanese, regardless of the situation or formality required.
Remember, patience and persistence are key when learning any language, and Japanese is no exception. Embrace the learning process, have fun, and explore further to deepen your understanding of this captivating language!
We hope this guide has been helpful in familiarizing you with the expressions for “AM” and “PM” in Japanese. Enjoy your journey of language learning and best of luck in mastering the intricacies of the Japanese language! Happy studying!
