Learning how to express different parts of the day in a foreign language can greatly enhance your communication skills. In Japanese, understanding how to say “in the afternoon” allows you to indicate the time of day with precision. This guide aims to provide you with both formal and informal ways of expressing “in the afternoon” in Japanese, and includes various useful tips and examples to help you master this concept.
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Formal Expressions for “In the Afternoon”
In formal Japanese, there are several ways to indicate “in the afternoon” depending on the degree of formality and the context of your conversation. Here are three common phrases:
- “Gogo” (午後): This is the most widely used and generic way to say “in the afternoon” in formal situations. It is commonly used in business settings, schools, and official schedules. For instance, if you want to say “I have a meeting in the afternoon,” you can say “Gogo ni kaigi ga arimasu” (午後に会議があります).
- “Gogo no jikan” (午後の時間): This phrase translates to “the time of the afternoon.” Although it is slightly more formal than “gogo” alone, it can be used interchangeably in most situations. For example, if you want to say “Let’s meet in the afternoon,” you can say “Gogo no jikan ni aimashou” (午後の時間に会いましょう).
- “Gogo sanji” (午後三時): This expression indicates a specific time in the afternoon, specifically “3 PM.” If you need to specify a particular hour, this phrase can be highly useful. For instance, if you want to say “The appointment is at 3 PM in the afternoon,” you can say “Aite wa gogo sanji desu” (相手は午後三時です).
Informal and Casual Expressions for “In the Afternoon”
Japanese has various casual and informal expressions that can be used among friends, acquaintances, or in everyday conversations. Here are a few commonly used phrases:
- “Gogogo” (午後午後): This is a playful and informal expression for “in the afternoon.” The repetition of “gogo” adds a sense of informality and can be used humorously. For example, if you want to say “Let’s go out in the afternoon,” you can say “Gogogo dekakeyou” (午後午後出かけよう).
- “Gorogoro” (ごろごろ): This expression is used to indicate a relaxed or lazy afternoon. It implies taking it easy or lounging around. For example, if you want to say “I’ll relax in the afternoon,” you can say “Gorogoro suru yo” (ごろごろするよ).
- “Hirusugi” (昼すぎ): This phrase literally translates to “afternoon passed.” It is an informal way to refer to the time after noon. For example, if you want to say “I’ll see you in the afternoon,” you can say “Hirusugi ni aeru yo” (昼すぎに会えるよ).
Regional Variations
While the phrases discussed so far are universally understood in Japan, it’s worth noting that each region may have its own dialect or colloquial expressions. Here’s an example:
“Obuuron” (おぶーろん): This is a colloquial expression used in the Kansai region (including Osaka and Kyoto) and means “in the afternoon.” It is a variation of the standard Japanese phrase “gogo.” For instance, if someone asks, “Are you busy in the afternoon?” in the Kansai dialect, they might say “Gogo obuuron isogashii?” (午後おぶーろん忙しい？).
While such regional variations add color and local flavor to the language, they are not essential to everyday communication in standard Japanese.
Tips to Remember
- Practice time-related vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with Japanese words for various times of the day, including morning (asa), evening (yoru), or night (yoru/nighto).
- Consider the context: The phrases provided above can be adapted to different situations by incorporating appropriate verbs, nouns, or particles. Always consider the context to ensure accurate communication.
- Pay attention to honorifics: Depending on the formality of your conversation and the level of respect you wish to convey, adjust your language accordingly. For instance, using honorific language (keigo) in formal situations enhances politeness.
- Practice speaking: Actively practice using these phrases and expressions in conversations with native speakers or language exchange partners. The more you practice, the more natural and effortless your Japanese will become.
With these phrases, tips, and examples, you can confidently express “in the afternoon” in various contexts and levels of formality. Remember to enjoy the learning process and immerse yourself in the rich cultural nuances of the Japanese language. Happy communicating!
