Learning to express the concept of “this week” in Japanese is a useful skill that can enhance your conversations and understanding of the language. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to say “this week” in Japanese, furnishing you with several tips, examples, and insights. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “This Week”
When speaking formally or in official settings, it’s important to use appropriate language. To say “this week” formally in Japanese, you have a few options:
- Konshū: This is the most straightforward and commonly used way to express “this week” formally. It literally translates to “this week” and can be used in various situations. For instance, if you are scheduling a meeting for the current week, you can say “Konshū no getsuyōbi ni kaigi o shimashō” (Let’s have a meeting on Monday “this week”).
- Kongetsu: While “kongetsu” primarily means “this month,” it can also be used to indicate “this week” in more formal contexts. For example, if you are referring to a specific week within the current month, you can say “Kongetsu no yōka kara raishū no nichiyōbi made” (From Wednesday of this month until next week’s Sunday).
Informal Ways to Say “This Week”
When speaking with friends, family, or in informal situations, the Japanese language allows for more casual expressions. To say “this week” informally, consider the following options:
- Kono shū: In casual conversations, “kono shū” or “kono” followed by the specific day of the week is commonly used. For example, you can say “Kono shū no nichiyōbi ni picnic ni ikimashō” (Let’s go for a picnic this Sunday). This expression is direct and widely understood in everyday speech.
- Kotoshi no shū: Occasionally, “kotoshi no shū” meaning “this year’s week” can be used casually. While not as common as “kono shū,” this phrase shows a slightly longer-term perspective. For instance, if you are talking about future plans for the week, you can say “Kotoshi no shū wa isogashii desu” (This year’s week is busy).
Regional Variations
Japanese regional variations are an exciting aspect of the language, but when it comes to expressing “this week,” there are no significant regional differences. Generally, the expressions mentioned above are understood and used throughout Japan. However, keep in mind that each region might have unique dialectical expressions for other concepts.
Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to help you master the usage of “this week” in Japanese:
- Always consider the context in which you are speaking. Formal situations require more polite language, while informal conversations permit casual expressions.
- If you need to specify a particular day within the week, consider using the Japanese names for the days. For example, “getsuyōbi” (Monday), “suiyōbi” (Tuesday), and so on.
- Don’t hesitate to mix and match phrases to convey your message. Using additional words like “ashita” (tomorrow) or “raishū” (next week) can make your sentence more precise and detailed.
Let’s look at a few more examples:
Kongetsu no kayōbini hon o kaeri masu. (I will return the book on this Tuesday).
Kono shū no mokuyōbi wa nichiyouhou o benkyou shimasu. (I study Japanese on Thursdays this week).
Kotoshi no shū wa isogashii desu kara, picnic ni ikenai desu. (I’m busy this week, so I can’t go for a picnic).
With these examples and tips, you are well on your way to confidently expressing “this week” in Japanese.
Remember to practice using these phrases in various contexts to improve your fluency.
In conclusion, knowing how to say “this week” formally and informally is an essential skill in Japanese. Whether you’re planning your schedule, making arrangements, or engaging in conversations, this knowledge will enable you to communicate effectively with native speakers. Best of luck in your language journey!
