就寝時間
shūshin jikan
The English phrase "bedtime" is translated into Japanese as 就寝時間 (shūshin jikan).
Both terms describe the time when one goes to bed to sleep.
Meaning: time when one goes to bed to sleep (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 就寝時間 is composed of 就寝 (shūshin), meaning 'going to bed' and 時間 (jikan), meaning 'time'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
就寝時間 is a formal way to express bedtime. In contrast, 寝る時間 is a more common, conversational and informal way to say 'bedtime'. You can also use the friendly and informal phrase 寝る時間だよ to say "It's time to sleep."
How do you pronounce it?
shūshin jikan
Did you know?
- The kanji 就 in 就寝 implies 'taking up' or 'entering' a state, similar to how it is used in the word for 'employment' 就職.
- In traditional Japanese homes, 'bedtime' was historically the moment the futon was unfolded on the floor, meaning the room's function changed entirely.
- While 就寝時間 is the formal term, many Japanese people use the English loanword 'bedtime' written as ベッドタイム in trendy lifestyle magazines and sleep-health apps.
Examples in context
- 子供の就寝時間を守ってください。Kodomo no shuushin jikan o mamotte kudasai.Please stick to the children's bedtime.
- 規則正しい就寝時間を大切にしましょう。Kisoku tadashii shuushin jikan o taisetsu ni shimashou.Let's value a regular bedtime.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are talking about their health habits.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんの就寝時間は何時ですか？Yōta-san no shūshin jikan wa nan-ji desu ka?Yota, what time is your bedtime?
- 陽太 Yotaだいたい十一時ごろに寝ます。Daitai jū-ichi-ji goro ni nemasu.I usually go to bed around eleven.
- 美咲 Misakiいいですね。私はもっと早く寝たいです。Ii desu ne. Watashi wa motto hayaku netai desu.That's nice. I want to go to bed earlier.
- 陽太 Yota就寝時間を変えると、気分が変わりますよ。Shūshin jikan o kaeru to, kibun ga kawarimasu yo.Changing your bedtime can change how you feel.
