Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “today” in Japanese! Whether you are planning a trip to Japan or simply interested in learning a new language, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Today”
If you want to express “today” in a formal setting or when talking to someone of higher social status, you can use the following expressions:
1. 本日 (honjitsu)
This word is commonly used in formal situations or in announcements. It is the most formal way to say “today” and is often used in business settings or formal speeches. For example, if you’re attending a conference, you might hear the speaker say, “本日の予定は…” (Honjitsu no yotei wa…). This translates to “Today’s schedule is…”
2. 今日 (kyou)
This is the most commonly used word for “today” in general conversation. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it is still considered more formal compared to the casual options mentioned later in this guide. For example, you might hear someone say, “今日はお忙しいですか？” (Kyou wa oisogashii desu ka?), which means “Are you busy today?”
Informal Ways to Say “Today”
For casual conversations or when talking to friends or family, it’s common to use less formal expressions to say “today” in Japanese:
1. きょう (kyou)
This is the casual variant of 今日 (kyou). It’s used among friends and family members and is suitable for informal situations. For example, you might say, “きょうは遊びに行こう！” (Kyou wa asobi ni ikou!), which means “Let’s go play today!”
2. 今日は (kyou wa)
This is a more relaxed and colloquial way of saying “today.” It is often used in casual conversations and can be seen as a friendly way to start a conversation. For instance, you might greet someone by saying, “今日は！元気？” (Kyou wa! Genki?), which translates to “Hey! How are you today?”
Tips and Examples
1. Use of Kanji
Both formal and informal variants of “today” in Japanese can be written using kanji characters. 本日 and 今日, when written in kanji, give a more formal impression than when written in hiragana.
2. Context Matters
Be mindful of the context and the relationship between you and the person you’re speaking to. Choosing the appropriate word for “today” is important to convey the desired level of formality or informality.
3. Interchanging “さようなら” and “今日は”
While “さようなら” (sayonara) is commonly known as the Japanese word for “goodbye,” it can also be used in a casual context as a way to say “today.” For example, you might hear someone say, “さようなら、今日は行かないよ” (Sayonara, kyou wa ikanai yo), which means “Goodbye, I’m not going today.”
Regional Variations
Japanese is a diverse language, and there are regional variations in vocabulary and expressions. However, when it comes to saying “today,” the variations across regions in Japan are minimal. The formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier are widely used throughout the country.
That wraps up our comprehensive guide on how to say “today” in Japanese! Remember to consider the context and closely follow the examples provided to successfully use these expressions in your conversations. Whether you’re engaging in formal or informal settings, you’re now equipped with a range of ways to confidently talk about “today” in Japanese. Enjoy your language learning journey!
