Gaining proficiency in Japanese requires not only understanding grammar and vocabulary but also mastering everyday phrases and expressions. “Earlier today” is a common phrase used to refer to events that occurred earlier on the same day. In this guide, we will explore how to say “earlier today” in Japanese, both formally and informally. We will also provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Earlier Today” in Japanese
When speaking formally in Japanese, you may want to use proper expressions to convey politeness. Here are some formal ways to say “earlier today” in Japanese:
1. さっき (Sakki)
The term “さっき” can be used in both formal and informal situations to mean “earlier today” or “a little while ago.” It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Here’s an example:
さっき、会議が終わりました。(Sakki, kaigi ga owarimashita.)
(Earlier today, the meeting ended.)
2. 本日早朝 (Honjitsu sochō)
“本日早朝” is a more formal expression used to refer to the early morning or earlier hours of the day. It is often used in formal announcements or business contexts. Consider the following example:
本日早朝、重要なお知らせがございます。(Honjitsu sochō, jūyōna oshirase ga gozaimasu.)
(Earlier today, we have an important announcement.)
Informal Ways to Say “Earlier Today” in Japanese
When conversing casually or with friends, you can use more relaxed expressions. Here are some informal ways to say “earlier today” in Japanese:
1. さっき (Sakki)
As mentioned earlier, “さっき” can be used in informal situations as well. It is a versatile term that works in both formal and informal contexts. Here’s an example:
友達とさっきランチに行ったよ。(Tomodachi to sakki ranchi ni itta yo.)
(I went for lunch with a friend earlier today.)
2. 今日の朝 (Kyō no asa)
“今日の朝” translates to “this morning” and is commonly used in casual conversations. It specifically refers to the morning hours of the current day. Take a look at the example below:
今日の朝、散歩に行ったんだ。(Kyō no asa, sanpo ni itta nda.)
(I went for a walk this morning.)
Regional Variations
While the above expressions work universally in Japanese, it’s essential to note that there might be slight regional variations in certain areas of Japan. These variations can be influenced by dialects or local customs. Here’s an example of a regional variation:
1. けさ (Kesa)
In some regions, particularly in the Kansai area, the term “けさ” is commonly used instead of “さっき” to mean “earlier today” or “this morning.” It is primarily used in informal conversations. Check out this example:
けさ、朝ご飯を食べたよ。(Kesa, asagohan o tabeta yo.)
(I had breakfast earlier today/this morning.)
Additional Tips and Usage Examples
Here are a few additional tips and usage examples to help you better understand how to say “earlier today” in Japanese:
Tips:
- Pay attention to the context and choose the appropriate expression based on the level of formality required.
- Practice using these phrases in various conversations to become more comfortable with their usage.
- Listen to native Japanese speakers or watch Japanese media to observe how these phrases are commonly used.
Usage Examples:
1. さっき、友達に電話したよ。(Sakki, tomodachi ni denwa shita yo.)
(I called my friend earlier today.)
2. 本日早朝、新しい商品が発売されました。(Honjitsu sochō, atarashii shōhin ga hatsubai saremashita.)
(Earlier today, a new product was released.)
3. 今日の朝、犬と一緒に散歩したんだ。(Kyō no asa, inu to issho ni sanpo shita nda.)
(I went for a walk with my dog this morning.)
4. けさ、駅で友達にばったり会ったんだ。(Kesa, eki de tomodachi ni battari atta nda.)
(I ran into my friend at the train station earlier today/this morning.)
