Learning how to say “date” in Japanese is essential for anyone interested in Japanese language and culture. Whether you plan on visiting Japan, making Japanese friends, or even finding love, understanding how to express this concept is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “date” in Japanese, providing you with useful tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Date in Japanese
When it comes to formal situations, such as speaking to superiors, elders, or in professional settings, it’s important to use proper language. In Japanese, the formal way to say “date” is “デート” (deeto). This loanword is commonly used among younger generations and has become widely accepted. It perfectly captures the idea of going out on a romantic rendezvous or social engagement.
Example 1:
A: 先生、土曜日にデートに行きます。
B: そうですか。良い時間をお過ごしください。
Translation:
A: Sensei, I am going on a date on Saturday.
B: Oh, I see. Have a good time.
If you are speaking to someone older or you want to be more polite, you can use a more formal phrase, “お付き合い” (otsukiai), which means “going out” or “dating.”
Example 2:
A: 先生、お付き合いのお願いがあります。
B: 何ですか？
Translation:
A: Sensei, I have a request regarding dating.
B: What is it?
Informal Ways to Say Date in Japanese
Informal conversations among friends, peers, or people of the same age group allow for more casual language. In such situations, Japanese offers a variety of phrases to express the concept of “date.”
Phrase 1: デートする (deeto suru)
This is the most common and straightforward way to express “to go on a date” in an informal setting. By attaching the verb “する” (suru), meaning “to do,” to the word “デート” (deeto), we get “デートする” (deeto suru), which simply means “to date” or “to go on a date.”
Example 3:
A: 明日、デートするんだって。
B: 誰とデートするの？
Translation:
A: I heard you’re going on a date tomorrow.
B: Who are you going on a date with?
Phrase 2: 付き合う (tsukiau)
Another way to say “to date” casually is by using the verb “付き合う” (tsukiau). Although this verb has a broader meaning of “to hang out” or “to go steady,” it is commonly understood as “to date” in a casual context.
Example 4:
A: 最近、彼氏と付き合っているんだ。
B: 付き合っているの？良かったね。
Translation:
A: I’ve been dating my boyfriend recently.
B: Oh, you’re dating? That’s great.
Summing Up
To recap, we have explored both formal and informal ways to say “date” in Japanese. When it comes to formal situations, “デート” (deeto) is commonly used. For a more polite approach, “お付き合い” (otsukiai) is the preferred term. On the other hand, in informal situations, “デートする” (deeto suru) and “付き合う” (tsukiau) are widely used to express “to date.”
Remember, the appropriate choice of phrase depends on the context and level of formality you wish to convey. Keep practicing these expressions to become more comfortable with using them naturally in conversations. Best of luck on your journeys into the world of dating and relationships in Japan!
