Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “AM” and “PM” in Japanese! Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, learning the language, or simply curious, understanding how to express time is crucial. In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to say “AM” and “PM” in Japanese, with helpful tips, examples, and a touch of regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, such as business settings or official events, it’s important to use the appropriate language to convey your respect and professionalism. To express “AM” and “PM” formally, you can use the following phrases:
- 午前 (ごぜん) – Gozen – This term refers to the period from midnight until noon, which is equivalent to “AM” in English. It can also be written in kanji as 朝 (あさ) – Asa.
- 午後 (ごご) – Gogo – This phrase represents the period from noon to midnight and corresponds to “PM” in English.
Let’s see these formal expressions in context:
Business Meeting:
A: 会議は午前10時からですか？
B: はい、そうです。午後1時に終わります。
A: Kaigi wa gozen juuji kara desu ka?
B: Hai, sou desu. Gogo ichiji ni owarimasu.
A: Is the meeting at 10 AM?
B: Yes, that’s correct. It will end at 1 PM.
Informal Expressions
In casual or informal settings, such as conversations with friends or family, you can use less formal expressions to indicate “AM” and “PM.” Here are a couple of commonly used phrases:
- 午前 (ごぜん) – Gozen / 午前中 (ごぜんちゅう) – Gozenchuu – Both phrases are used to denote the morning hours. While “午前” is equivalent to “AM,” “午前中” emphasizes the entire morning period.
- 午後 (ごご) – Gogo – It remains the same as the formal version and can be used casually as well.
Here are a couple of examples using informal expressions:
Casual Conversation:
A: 明日、何時に会いましょうか？
B: 午前中は大丈夫ですか？
A: Ashita, nanji ni aimashou ka?
B: Gozenchuu wa daijoubu desu ka?
A: What time shall we meet tomorrow?
B: Is the morning okay?
Tips and Regional Variations
To enhance your understanding of expressing time in Japanese, here are a few additional tips:
- 24-Hour Clock System: In formal and written contexts, Japan uses the 24-hour clock system, so “14:00” refers to 2 PM, for example.
- Regional Variations: While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood across Japan, some regions may have their own local expressions. If you encounter any regional variations while traveling, locals will surely appreciate your interest in their specific dialect or colloquial speech.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed our guide on how to say “AM” and “PM” in Japanese. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you grasp the formal and informal expressions used in various contexts. Remember, using the appropriate language to indicate time is essential for effective communication in both formal and informal situations. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to express time confidently.
