七日間
nanokakan
The English phrase 'seven days' is translated into Japanese as 七日間 (nanokakan).
七日間 is used to express a period of time lasting for seven days. When counting days or durations in Japanese, the counter 日 (nichi) is employed.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 七 (seven), 日 (day) and 間 (interval/period), literally meaning 'seven days (period)'.
How do you pronounce it?
nanokakan
Did you know?
- In Japan, the seventh day after a person's death is marked by a special Buddhist ceremony called 初七日 (shokonoka), where the soul is believed to begin its journey.
- The character 間 in 七日間 is used to denote a physical space or a span of time, meaning the phrase literally describes the 'gap' or 'interval' between the start and end of the week.
- The number seven is often associated with luck or 'magic' in Japan, appearing in the 七福神 (Seven Lucky Gods) who are believed to bring good fortune to those who honor them.
Examples in context
- Nanokakan dake kyūka o toritai desu. (七日間だけ休暇を取りたいです。)I want to take a vacation for just seven days.
- 七日間、休みがあります。nanokakan, yasumi ga arimasu.There is a seven day holiday.
- このイベントは七日間続きます。kono ibento wa nanokakan tsuzukimasu.This event lasts for seven days.
- 七日間、ずっと雨が降りました。nanokakan, zutto ame ga furimashita.It rained continuously for seven days.
Example conversation
Himari and Kenta are discussing a trip.
- 陽葵 Himari旅行はどれくらい行きますか？Ryokō wa dore kurai ikimasu ka?How long will you go on your trip?
- 健太 Kenta七日間行く予定です。Nanokakan iku yotei desu.I plan to go for seven days.
- 陽葵 Himariそれはいいですね！Sore wa ii desu ne!That sounds great!
- 健太 Kenta楽しみです。Tanoshimi desu.I am looking forward to it.
