Gaining knowledge of how to express decades in Japanese is essential when engaging in conversations about historical events, personal experiences, or even discussing cultural references. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say decades in Japanese, providing you with numerous tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Decades
When it comes to formal Japanese, the concept of expressing decades differs slightly from the informal way. Formal expressions are typically used in academic, professional, or official contexts. Let’s look at some examples:
1. Using the Japanese Word for Decades
In a formal setting, you can use the word “decade” directly translated into Japanese, which is “ju-nennkai” (十年階). For instance:
Example: 1900 to 1909 is pronounced as “sen-kyuu-hyaku” (1900) + “juu-nen-kai” (decades), which is “sen-kyuu-hyaku juu-nen-kai.”
Remember, this formal expression for decades can be used for any decade and is considered the most appropriate in formal contexts.
2. Utilizing the Japanese Era Names
In Japan, era names are used to indicate specific historical periods. This method is especially common when referring to decades that fall within a specific era. Currently, the Reiwa era is in effect, but let’s take a common example using the Showa era (1926 to 1989):
Example: The 1960s, known as the “Swinging Sixties” in English, can be expressed as “Showa 35 to 44-nendai.” In Japanese, the era name “Showa” is followed by the appropriate years or “nendai” (年代) to indicate a specific span of years.
When using the era names, it’s crucial to remember the corresponding dates to ensure accuracy in expressing the desired decades.
Informal Expressions for Decades
Informal Japanese is commonly used in casual conversations, daily interactions, or when talking with friends. The expressions for decades in an informal context are much simpler compared to formal situations. Let’s explore some examples:
1. Simplified Counting Method
In informal settings, it is common to use a simplified counting method to express decades. This method involves using the Japanese word for “10 years” paired with the desired numerical value. For instance:
Example: The 1950s can be expressed as “go-juu-nendai,” combining “go-juu” (50) and the suffix “-nendai” (years) to mean “fifty years.”
Remember to adjust the numerical value accordingly to reflect the desired decade.
2. Utilizing the Word for Periods
Another way to express decades casually is by using the term “jidai” (時代), which means “period” in Japanese. This method allows for a more versatile expression of a specific era or decade:
Example: To say the 1980s, you can use “hachi-juu-nendai” or “hachi-juu-nendai no koro,” which literally translates to “the time of the 80s” or “around the 80s” respectively.
Utilizing this method provides a more general time frame, allowing for flexibility in informal discussions.
Examples of Regional Variations
While regional variations in expressing decades are limited in Japanese, it’s worth mentioning a few minor differences. For example, in certain Western regions of Japan, particularly in Kansai dialect, the term “jussai” (じゅっさい) is sometimes used colloquially to mean decades:
Example: The 1970s may be expressed as “sen-kyuu-juu-nen-jussai” in Kansai dialect, incorporating the colloquial term “jussai,” which means “tens (of years).”
While this variation is mostly limited to specific regions, it showcases the subtle linguistic diversity within Japan.
Summary
In summary, learning how to say decades in Japanese requires understanding both formal and informal expressions. In formal contexts, using the Japanese word for decades or the appropriate era names is recommended. Informally, simplified counting methods combined with “nendai” or utilizing the term “jidai” allows for more casual conversations.
Remember that era names change with time, so keeping track of the current era is crucial. By familiarizing yourself with these expressions, you will have the necessary tools and examples to confidently discuss decades in various situations and engage in culturally enriching conversations with Japanese speakers.
