When it comes to expressing the concept of “today” in the Japanese language, there are various ways to do so depending on the context, formality, and regional variations. Let’s explore both formal and informal ways to say “today” in Japan, along with some useful tips and examples.
Formal Ways to Say “Today” in Japan
Formal language is used in official situations, when speaking to superiors, strangers, or in formal written contexts.
1. 今日（きょう）
The most basic and commonly used term for “today” in Japan is 「今日」(きょう). This word is suitable for both formal and informal situations and is widely understood throughout the country.
Example 1: 今日は忙しいですが、お仕事お疲れ様です。
(Kyō wa isogashii desu ga, oshigoto otsukare sama desu.)
Translation: Today is busy, but good job on your work.
2. 本日（ほんじつ）
A more formal alternative to 「今日」(きょう) is 「本日」(ほんじつ). This term is often used in formal speeches, business settings, or written announcements.
Example 2: 本日の会議は二時からです。
(Honjitsu no kaigi wa niji kara desu.)
Translation: The meeting today starts at 2 o’clock.
3. 本日は（ほんじつは）
Adding “は” after 「本日」(ほんじつ) creates a more formal phrase similar to “As for today…” in English. It is commonly used in official announcements or in customer service situations.
Example 3: 本日はお得なセールを行っております。
(Honjitsu wa otoku na seeru o okonatte orimasu.)
Translation: As for today, we are having a special sale.
Informal Ways to Say “Today” in Japan
Informal language is used among friends, family, or in casual settings.
1. 今日（きょう）
Similar to the formal usage, 「今日」(きょう) can also be used in informal situations. It is the most common choice for casual daily conversations.
Example 4: 今日の天気はどうだった？
(Kyō no tenki wa dō datta?)
Translation: How was the weather today?
2. きょうは
When speaking casually, dropping the particle “は” after 「今日」(きょう) is common. This abbreviated form is often used in informal conversations or messages.
Example 5: きょうは何をする？
(Kyō wa nani o suru?)
Translation: What are you going to do today?
Tips and Additional Examples
1. Regional Variations
While “today” is generally expressed as mentioned above throughout Japan, there can be slight regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. However, these differences are minimal, and the formal and informal terms mentioned earlier are universally understood in all regions.
2. Emphasizing Specific Time or Date
If you wish to specify the day of the week or a particular date, you can simply add the desired information along with the word for “today” using the appropriate vocabulary.
Example 6: 今日は日曜日だから、遊びに行きませんか？
(Kyō wa nichiyōbi da kara, asobi ni ikimasen ka?)
Translation: Since today is Sunday, would you like to go out?
3. Politeness and Honorifics
When addressing someone using polite or honorific language, make sure to adjust the verb endings and sentence structure accordingly. The main word for “today” remains the same, but the overall tone and level of politeness change.
Example 7: 本日はお越しいただき、ありがとうございます。
(Honjitsu wa o-koshi itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu.)
Translation: Thank you for coming today.
4. Contextual Usage
It’s important to remember that the appropriate usage of phrases for “today” may vary depending on the situation. For instance, using the formal expressions in a casual conversation might sound overly stiff, while using the informal ones in a formal setting might be considered too casual. Always adapt your language choices to the context.
With the various formal and informal ways to say “today” in Japan, you can now confidently express this concept in different situations. Remember to consider the level of formality, regional variations, and context when choosing the most appropriate term to use. Enjoy enhancing your Japanese language skills by incorporating these expressions into your daily conversations!
