Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| その時 | sono toki | [so̞no̞ to̞kʲi] (narrow) |
| その時点 | sono jiten |
Other forms like その時点 or 当時 are used depending on whether you are referring to a specific point in time or a broader period.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase その時 is composed of the demonstrative その (that) and the noun 時 (time).
Which one should you use?
While その時 refers to a general time or moment, その時点 refers more precisely to a specific point or juncture in a process or timeline. Additionally, 当時 is used to refer to a specific period or era in the past, whereas その時 refers to a specific moment or instance.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
その時 is a neutral expression suitable for both casual and polite conversation. In formal situations where you are explaining next steps or providing instructions, you might use 次に to mean "then". In casual spoken language among close friends, you can use それじゃ.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
sono toki
Did you know?
- The character 時 is composed of 'sun' and 'temple', reflecting an ancient system where time was marked by the bells of Buddhist temples.
- In Japanese storytelling, repeating その時 at the start of a sentence often signals a dramatic plot twist or a sudden change in action.
- In casual speech, それじゃ is a contraction of それでは, which literally means 'if it is that' rather than a simple reference to time.
Examples in context
- じゃあその時に。See you then.This sentence is useful for saying "See you then" using その時.Tatoeba #215910 by bunbuku, translation #47013 by CK
- その時に考えるよ。I'll think about it then.This sentence is useful for saying "I'll think about it then" using その時.Tatoeba #9748146 by small_snow, translation #13265325 by CK
- 彼はその時疲れていた。He was tired then.This sentence is useful for saying "He was tired then" using その時.Tatoeba #112732 by bunbuku, translation #290944 by CK
- 映画を見て、それからディナーに行きましょう。Let's watch a movie, and then go for dinner.
- まず、料理の材料を準備しましょう。次に、調理を始めます。First, let's prepare the ingredients. Then, we can start cooking.
- 部屋の掃除をした。それから友達と遊びに行った。I cleaned the room. Then, I went out to hang out with friends.
- 明日は遊びに行くよ。それじゃ、夜に会おう！I'm going out to have fun tomorrow. So, let's meet up in the evening!
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about a past trip.
- 健太 Kentaその時、何を食べましたか？Sono toki, nani o tabemashita ka?What did you eat at that time?
- 結衣 Yuiその時、海鮮丼を食べました。Sono toki, kaisendon o tabemashita.At that time, I ate a seafood bowl.
- 健太 Kenta美味しそうですね。Oishisou desu ne.That sounds delicious.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、とても満足しました。Hai, totemo manzoku shimashita.Yes, I was very satisfied.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “then” translations and entries その時, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
