異なる時代
kotonaru jidai
The English phrase 'different times' is translated into Japanese as 異なる時代 (kotonaru jidai).
The phrase is used to refer to distinct historical periods or eras.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb kotonaru (to differ) and the noun jidai (era/period/age).
Which one should you use?
While 異なる時代 is used for distinct eras, the phrase 違う時代 is a more common and conversational way to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective-like verb kotonaru modifies the noun jidai directly to describe the eras as being distinct from one another.
How do you pronounce it?
kotonaru jidai
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word 時代 (jidai) is also the name of a very popular genre of period dramas, often referred to as 'jidai-geki'.
- The word 代 (dai) within 時代 can also be used to count generations, such as 'the third generation' of a family.
- While kotonaru is used for 'different times', the word chigau is so versatile that it can be used to say 'you are wrong' without using any other words.
Examples in context
- 五時十分 (go-ji jū-fun)5:10
- 十二時四十五分 (jū-ni-ji yon-jū-go-fun)12:45
- 三時 (san-ji)3 o'clock
- 七時五十分 (shichi-ji go-jū-fun)7:50
- 十二時ごろ (jū-ni-ji goro)Around 12 o'clock
- 四時半ごろ (yo-ji han goro)Around 4:30
- 異なる時代を学ぶのは面白い。Kotonaru jidai o manabu no wa omoshiroi.It is interesting to learn about different times.
- ここは異なる時代が混ざっている。Koko wa kotonaru jidai ga mazatte iru.Different times are mixed here.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are looking at a history book in a library.
- 蓮 Renこの本は異なる時代を詳しく説明しているね。Kono hon wa kotonaru jidai o kuwashiku setsumei shite iru ne.This book explains different times in detail, doesn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari本当。歴史の幅が広くて驚くよ。Hontou. Rekishi no haba ga hirokute odoroku yo.True. I'm surprised by how broad the history is.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵はどの時代が一番好き？Himari wa dono jidai ga ichiban suki?Himari, which era do you like best?
- 陽葵 Himari私は、華やかな時代がとても好き。Watashi wa, hanayaka na jidai ga totemo suki.I like the glamorous eras very much.
