Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say the days of the week in Japanese. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of saying the days of the week. We’ll also include some tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Days of the Week in Japanese
Let’s start with the formal way of saying the days of the week in Japanese. These are commonly used when addressing superiors, in formal situations, or at work. Here is a list of the formal names of the days in Japanese:
- Monday – Getsuyōbi (月曜日)
- Tuesday – Kayōbi (火曜日)
- Wednesday – Suiyōbi (水曜日)
- Thursday – Mokuyōbi (木曜日)
- Friday – Kinyōbi (金曜日)
- Saturday – Doyōbi (土曜日)
- Sunday – Nichiyōbi (日曜日)
These formal names are widely recognized and used across Japan. They are simple to remember and widely understood in all regions.
Informal Days of the Week in Japanese
In informal settings, with friends and family, or during casual conversations, different versions of the days of the week are commonly used. Here are the informal names of the days in Japanese:
- Monday – Getsu (月)
- Tuesday – Ka (火)
- Wednesday – Sui (水)
- Thursday – Moku (木)
- Friday – Kin (金)
- Saturday – Doyō (土)
- Sunday – Nichi (日)
These informal forms are often shortened versions of the formal names. They make conversations more relaxed and friendly.
Additional Tips for Pronunciation and Usage
When pronouncing the days of the week in Japanese, it’s important to note a few tips:
- Japanese is a syllable-timed language, so give equal emphasis to each syllable in a word when saying the days of the week.
- Days with “yōbi” in their formal names can be pronounced as “yō” in informal situations. For example, “Kinyōbi” can become “Kinyō.”
- The pronunciation of “Tuesday” (Kayōbi) and “Thursday” (Mokuyōbi) might sound similar, so pay attention to the context to avoid confusion.
- When referring to the current day, the word “kyō” (今日) is commonly used, regardless of formality. For example, “Today is Monday” would be “Kyō wa Getsuyōbi desu.”
Examples in Sentences
Let’s look at some examples of how to use the days of the week in Japanese sentences:
“I have a meeting on Tuesday.”
Japanese Translation: “Kayōbi ni kaigi ga arimasu.”
“We usually go shopping on Saturdays.”
Japanese Translation: “Futsū doyōbi ni kaimono o shimasu.”
“Our company is closed on Sundays.”
Japanese Translation: “Watashitachi no kaisha wa nichiyōbi ga yasumi desu.”
Regional Variations
While the formal and informal versions of the days of the week are consistent throughout Japan, there are a few regional variations worth mentioning:
In the Kansai region (including cities like Osaka and Kyoto), some people use a different set of informal day names. Here are the variations:
- Monday – Getsu (月)
- Tuesday – Kachō (火曜)
- Wednesday – Suiyō (水曜)
- Thursday – Mokuyō (木曜)
- Friday – Kinyō (金曜)
- Saturday – Doyō (土曜)
- Sunday – Nichiyō (日曜)
These variations are unique to the Kansai dialect and might not be widely understood outside the region. Stick to the standard formal or informal names when in doubt.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say the days of the week in Japanese. We covered both the formal and informal versions, along with some tips, examples, and even regional variations. Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to confidently discuss the days of the week in Japanese, whether in a formal or casual setting. Practice and enjoy exploring the Japanese language and culture! がんばってください！(Ganbatte kudasai! – Good luck!)
