Are you curious about how to say “PM” in Japanese? Whether you want to know the formal or informal way, this guide will provide you with all the information you need. In Japanese, the term “PM” refers to the afternoon or evening hours, typically from noon until midnight. Let’s dive into the various ways to express this concept in Japanese, and explore some regional variations along the way!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say PM
In formal Japanese, the term “PM” can be expressed in a couple of different ways. One common way is to use the word “gogo” (午後). It literally means “afternoon” and is used to represent the PM hours. Another formal expression is to use the phrase “gozen no ji kara” (午前の十から), which means “from ten in the morning.” The latter is a polite way of indicating the time after noon because it compares it to the morning hours.
Examples:
- Gogo watashi wa eiga ni ikimasu. (午後私は映画に行きます。) – In the afternoon, I will go to the movies.
- Gozen no ji kara gogo san ji made hatarakimasu. (午前の十から午後三時まで働きます。) – I work from ten in the morning until three in the afternoon.
Informal Ways to Say PM
When it comes to informal conversations, the way to express “PM” in Japanese becomes more casual. In this context, you can use the word “gogo” (午後) just like the formal expression. However, it is important to note that in informal settings, it’s more common to use the numeric expressions for time with an added “ji” (時), meaning “hour,” after stating the hour. This is particularly true when talking about time in the PM.
Examples:
- 6-ji gogo ni eiga ni iku ze. (６時午後に映画に行くぜ。) – I’m going to the movies at 6 PM.
- Jūichi-ji gogo kara matsuri ni asobu yo. (１１時午後から祭りに遊ぶよ。) – Let’s have fun at the festival from 11 PM onwards.
Regional Variations
Japanese is a language with regional variations, and it’s worth mentioning some slight differences in expressing “PM” across different regions. For example, in the Kansai region (including cities like Osaka and Kyoto), people often use the term “gogoji” (午後じ) to refer to the PM hours. Similarly, in casual conversations in the Kanto region (including Tokyo), it is common to hear “gogoji” instead of “gogo” to indicate “PM.” While these variations may not be necessary to learn, they are interesting cultural nuances to be aware of!
Examples:
Kansai region: Gogoji de kaimono ni ikimasen ka? (午後じで買い物に行きませんか？) – Why don’t we go shopping in the afternoon?
Kanto region: Gogoji wa nani shiteiru? (午後じは何している？) – What are you doing in the afternoon?
Tips for Usage
To effectively use these expressions, it’s essential to pay attention to a few key points. Firstly, mastering numbers in Japanese is crucial when discussing time. Practice counting and familiarize yourself with the Japanese numeral system. Moreover, be mindful of formal and informal contexts to use the appropriate expressions. When in doubt, it’s generally safer to opt for a more polite formulation unless the situation calls for casual speech.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that time in Japanese is often stated using the 24-hour clock format. This means that instead of using “PM” explicitly, you would use the corresponding hour in Japanese and add “ji” (時) after it to signify the time. Lastly, pay attention to regional variations if you are in a specific area of Japan or conversing with people from a particular region.
In Conclusion
Understanding how to say “PM” in Japanese is essential for effective communication when discussing time. You learned that in formal situations, “gogo” or “gozen no ji kara” can be used, while informal conversations often employ numeric expressions with an added “ji” after the hour. We also explored regional variations in the Kansai and Kanto regions. With these tips and examples in mind, you are now equipped to express “PM” in Japanese confidently. Practice, immerse yourself in the language, and enjoy the journey of learning Japanese!
