Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “day before yesterday” in Japanese. Whether you’re studying the Japanese language or planning a trip to Japan, it’s always helpful to have a solid understanding of vocabulary and expressions. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express “day before yesterday” in Japanese, providing various examples and tips along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Day Before Yesterday”
Let’s start by looking at the formal expressions used in Japan to convey the concept of “day before yesterday”. This is an essential phrase for formal conversations, business meetings, or writing formal letters.
1. おととい (ototoi)
The most common and widely accepted way to say “day before yesterday” in Japanese is “おととい” (ototoi). This expression is considered standard Japanese and is understood by all Japanese speakers regardless of region or dialect. An advantage of using “おととい” (ototoi) is that it is universally recognized, making it suitable for any situation.
Example: 昨日は忙しかったです。おとといは休みました。(Kinō wa isogashikatta desu. Ototoi wa yasumimashita.) – “Yesterday was busy. I rested the day before yesterday.”
2. 一昨日 (otoshiyuku)
Another formal way to express “day before yesterday” in Japanese is to use “一昨日” (otoshiyuku). While slightly less common than “おととい” (ototoi), it is still considered a polite and appropriate expression in formal settings. As with “おととい” (ototoi), “一昨日” (otoshiyuku) is widely understood throughout Japan.
Example: 一昨日の会議は非常に重要でした。(Ototoi no kaigi wa hijōni jūyō deshita.) – “The meeting the day before yesterday was extremely important.”
Informal Ways to Say “Day Before Yesterday”
When it comes to informal conversations or casual situations, Japanese offers a few alternative ways to say “day before yesterday”. These expressions are commonly used among friends, family members, or in relaxed environments.
1. えもじょ (emojo)
“えもじょ” (emojo) is a casual and colloquial way to say “day before yesterday” in Japanese. It is primarily used in spoken language and may not be suitable for formal or written contexts. This expression is more commonly heard among younger generations or in informal settings.
Example: えもじょのパーティーはすごく楽しかったよ！(Emojo no pātī wa sugoku tanoshikatta yo!) – “The party the day before yesterday was so much fun!”
2. おとといの日 (ototoi no hi)
In informal conversations, another way to express “day before yesterday” is by using “おとといの日” (ototoi no hi), which literally translates to “the day of the day before yesterday”. While it may sound redundant, it is often used to emphasize and clarify the specific day being referred to within a casual context.
Example: おとといの日、遊園地に行ったんだ。(Ototoi no hi, yūenchi ni ittanda.) – “I went to an amusement park the day before yesterday.”
Other Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are widely understood throughout Japan, certain regions or dialects may have variations in their way of saying “day before yesterday”. Here are a few examples:
1. さとおんじ (satoonji)
Used in the Miyagi Prefecture, “さとおんじ” (satoonji) is the local dialect’s way of expressing “day before yesterday”. Unless you are in the region or engaging with someone from Miyagi, it’s best to stick with more universally recognized expressions.
2. おとつい (ototsui)
In some parts of the Tohoku region, such as Iwate and Aomori, the term “おとつい” (ototsui) is used instead of “おととい” (ototoi). While it may sound similar, it’s advisable to stick with the more widely known expressions for better clarity in communication.
TIP: When in doubt, it’s always safer to use the standard “おととい” (ototoi) to ensure proper understanding, especially if you are not familiar with the specific regional variations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to say “day before yesterday” in Japanese is essential for effective communication in both formal and informal settings. Remember to use “おととい” (ototoi) or “一昨日” (otoshiyuku) for formal occasions, while “えもじょ” (emojo) or “おとといの日” (ototoi no hi) are more suitable for casual conversations. Keep in mind the regional variations and use them sparingly, sticking to the standard expressions if you are unsure. Practice using these phrases, and soon you’ll be confidently discussing past events in Japanese!
