Greetings! Learning how to express dates in Japanese is essential for effective communication. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “last Monday” in Japanese, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When speaking formally, you can use the following phrases to refer to “last Monday” in Japanese:
- Senshū no getsuyōbi (先週の月曜日): Literally translating to “Monday of last week.” The word “senshū” means “last week,” and “getsuyōbi” means “Monday.” Use this expression in formal situations or when speaking politely.
- Sakunen no shūgetsu (昨年の週月): This phrase means “last year’s week’s Monday.” “Sakunen” represents “last year,” “shūgetsu” means “week,” and “getsuyōbi” indicates “Monday.” This expression is suitable for formal or written contexts.
Informal Expressions
For casual conversations or when talking to close friends or family members, the following informal expressions can be used:
- Kyonen no getsuyōbi (去年の月曜日): This expression translates to “Monday of last year.” “Kyonen” means “last year,” and “getsuyōbi” represents “Monday.” It is commonly used in informal spoken Japanese.
- Senshū no kayōbi (先週の火曜日): In this phrase, “senshū” stands for “last week,” and “kayōbi” means “Tuesday.” While the literal translation is “Tuesday of last week,” in casual conversation, it can be used to refer to “last Monday.”
Regional Variations
Japanese dialects can sometimes lead to variations in how dates are expressed. However, for the specific case of “last Monday,” the variations are minimal across regions. In general, the formal or informal expressions mentioned above are understood throughout Japan. If you encounter any regional variations, they are likely to be slight and involve the dialectical nuances of individual regions.
Tips and Examples
Now that we have covered the different ways to say “last Monday” in Japanese, here are a few tips and examples to further enhance your understanding:
Tips:
- Remember to adjust your language based on the context and level of formality required.
- When unsure, it is often better to err on the side of being more polite.
- Listen to how native speakers express dates and try to emulate their pronunciation and intonation.
Examples:
- If you want to say “I met him last Monday,” you can say:
Formal: Senshū no getsuyōbi ni ano hito ni atta (先週の月曜日にあの人に会った)
Informal: Kyonen no getsuyōbi ni ano hito ni atta (去年の月曜日にあの人に会った)When discussing a past event, you might mention “last Monday” like this:
Formal: Sakunen no shūgetsu wa tenki ga yokatta desu (昨年の週月は天気が良かったです)
Informal: Senshū no kayōbi wa tenki ga yokatta yo (先週の火曜日は天気が良かったよ)
Congratulations on making progress in your Japanese language journey. Remember that learning a new language takes time and practice. Keep exploring and enhancing your knowledge, and soon you’ll be able to express dates effortlessly!
お疲れさまでした！(Otsukaresama deshita!) Good job!
