時計
tokei[to̞ke̞ː]
The Japanese word for clock is 時計 (tokei).
時計 refers to an instrument used to measure or keep track of time. This single term is versatile and covers both wall clocks and wristwatches. If you specifically want to refer to a wall clock, you can say Kabe tokei.
Meaning: instrument to measure or keep track of time (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 時計 is composed of the kanji for 'time' (時) and 'measure/gauge' (計), literally meaning 'time-measure'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tokei
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, giving a clock as a gift can sometimes be seen as a symbol of 'counting down' the time someone has left to live.
- Traditional Japanese timekeeping once used a system where the length of an 'hour' changed depending on the season.
- The word 時計 was originally written as 土圭, which referred to a specific type of ancient sundial using clay tablets.
Examples in context
- 時計が止まった。A clock stopped.This sentence shows how to say a clock stopped using 時計.Tatoeba #150511 by bunbuku, translation #264046 by rul
- 僕の時計はどこだ？Where is my clock?This sentence is useful for asking the location of your clock using 時計.Tatoeba #82215 by small_snow, translation #410905 by CK
- トムは時計を見た。Tom looked at the clock.This sentence illustrates how to say someone looked at a clock using 時計.Tatoeba #2066468 by bunbuku, translation #1868063 by CK
- 私の部屋に大きな時計がありますThere is a large clock in my room.
- 73 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A living room where a couple is talking about the decor.
- 陽葵 Himariこの時計、すごく可愛いね。Kono tokei, sugoku kawaii ne.This clock is really cute, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね。陽葵のセンスがいいよ。Sou da ne. Himari no sensu ga ii yo.It is. You have good taste, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう。新しい時計を探してたの。Arigatou. Atarashii tokei o sagashite ita no.Thanks. I was looking for a new clock.
- 陽太 Yotaよく似合っていると思うよ。Yoku niatte iru to omou yo.I think it suits the room well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clock” translations and entries 時計, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 時計, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
