When learning a new language, it’s important to familiarize yourself with everyday expressions that are commonly used. One such phrase is “this morning.” In Japanese, there are different ways to express it depending on the formality and context of the conversation. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “this morning” in Japanese, including formal and informal expressions, as well as provide several tips and examples to help you master this phrase.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you are in a formal setting or conversing with someone you don’t know well, it’s essential to use the appropriate level of formality when discussing time. Here are two formal ways to say “this morning” in Japanese:
1. Kesa (けさ)
Kesa is a standard formal expression used to refer to “this morning” in Japanese. It is suitable for most formal situations and can be used in both spoken and written language.
Example: Kesa wa o-tenki ga yoku arimasu. (今朝はお天気がよくあります。) – The weather is nice this morning.
2. Honjitsu no asa (本日の朝)
This more formal expression literally translates to “morning of today.” While it might sound a bit more stiff compared to kesa, it is suitable for formal occasions.
Example: Honjitsu no asa wa tameiki ga takusan dete imasu. (本日の朝はため息がたくさん出ています。) – Many sighs were heard this morning.
Informal Expressions
In casual conversations or when speaking with friends, you can use more relaxed and informal expressions. Here are two common ways to say “this morning” informally:
1. Kyou no asa (今日の朝)
Kyou no asa is a casual expression that translates to “morning of today” and is commonly used in informal situations among friends or acquaintances.
Example: Kyou no asa, me ga sameta no ga osoku natta. (今日の朝、目が覚めたのが遅くなった。) – I woke up later than usual this morning.
2. Asa (朝)
Asa is the most common and simple way to say “morning” in Japanese. It can be used in both formal and informal situations, though it is more commonly used in casual conversations.
Example: Asa wa gogo made nemutte imashita. (朝は午後まで眠っていました。) – I slept until the afternoon this morning.
Tips and Regional Variations
While the expressions covered so far are widely understood across Japan, there are a few regional variations you might encounter. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Okinawa Dialect: Sake (さけ)
In the Okinawa dialect, sake is used to mean “morning.” While it is not as commonly used as the other expressions mentioned, it is interesting to note this regional variation.
Example: Sake no asa wa minami no shima de yuuyake ga mabushi sou da. (さけの朝は南の島で夕焼けがまぶしいそうだ。) – They say the sunrise on this island is dazzling.
2. Kansai Dialect: Ima (いま)
In the Kansai region, people sometimes use ima to mean “morning.” However, it is more commonly used to mean “now” in other parts of Japan, so be careful with the context.
Example: Ima no asa wa atsui na! (いまの朝は暑いな！) – It’s hot this morning!
Summary
In conclusion, when it comes to saying “this morning” in Japanese, it’s important to use the appropriate level of formality based on the situation. For formal occasions, kesa or honjitsu no asa are suitable, whereas kyou no asa or asa can be used casually or in informal conversations. Additionally, keep in mind the regional variations, such as the Okinawa dialect’s use of sake or the Kansai dialect’s use of ima, which add interesting nuances to the language.
Remember to practice using these expressions in various contexts to develop a better understanding of when and how to use them correctly. With time and familiarity, you’ll become more confident in expressing yourself in Japanese, allowing you to engage in conversations about time and daily experiences, including discussions about “this morning.”
