Welcome! Are you interested in learning how to say “tomorrow” in Japanese? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of expressing “tomorrow” in Japanese, as well as provide you with tips, examples, and some regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Tomorrow
In formal situations, such as business settings or when speaking to someone older or in a higher position, it is important to use the appropriate language. Here are a few formal expressions for “tomorrow” in Japanese:
1. Ashita (あした) / Asu (あす)
“Ashita” is the most common and neutral way to say “tomorrow” in Japanese. It is widely used in various situations and is suitable for both formal and informal conversations. On the other hand, “Asu” is a slightly more formal alternative, often used in formal writing.
Example: Watashi wa ashita kara nihon e ikimasu. (私は明日から日本へ行きます。) – I will go to Japan from tomorrow.
2. Myōnichi (明日) / Asatte (あさって)
“Myōnichi” and “Asatte” are also used to indicate “tomorrow” in a formal context, but they often carry a slightly more polite tone. “Myōnichi” refers specifically to the next day, whereas “Asatte” refers to the day after tomorrow.
Example: Kōshū eikaiwa no kōgi wa myōnichi no gogo ni arimasu. (講習 英会話の講義は明日の午後にあります。) – The lecture for the English conversation course will be held tomorrow afternoon.
Informal Ways to Say Tomorrow
When speaking with friends, family, or peers in informal situations, you can use more relaxed expressions to refer to “tomorrow.” Let’s take a look at a few common options:
1. Ashita (あした) / Asu (あす)
As mentioned earlier, “Ashita” and “Asu” are widely used and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. These terms are versatile and can be used with anyone you are on friendly terms with.
Example: Ashita nebari ni ikō ka? (明日、寝坊に行こうか？) – Shall we sleep in tomorrow?
2. Asatte (あさって)
Although “Asatte” is considered more formal, it is also commonly used in casual conversations. It is a natural choice when referring to “the day after tomorrow” among friends or acquaintances.
Example: Asatte de nani shiyō ka? (あさってで何しようか？) – What shall we do the day after tomorrow?
Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are used throughout Japan, there are also some regional variations to say “tomorrow” that might pique your interest:
1. Nisshō (にっしょう) / Nisshin (にっしん)
In parts of western Japan, particularly in the Kansai region, “Nisshō” and “Nisshin” are commonly used to mean “tomorrow.” These expressions might differ from what you’ll hear in other regions of Japan but are widely understood.
Example: Nisshin wa isogashī node, ashita bōnenkai o yameru koto ni shimashita. (にっしんは忙しいので、明日忘年会をやめることにしました。) – I am busy tomorrow, so I decided to cancel the year-end party.
2. Maiban (まいばん) / Kon’ya (こんや)
In some areas, particularly in the Kanto region, “Maiban” and “Kon’ya” are used to refer to “tomorrow” in informal conversations. These regional alternatives may provide you with interesting linguistic variations.
Example: Maiban, okiniiri no eiga o mite mimashō. (まいばん、お気に入りの映画を見てみましょう。) – Let’s watch our favorite movie tomorrow evening.
Wrapping It Up
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “tomorrow” in Japanese, both formally and informally. Remember to use “Ashita” or “Asu” for most situations and “Myōnichi” or “Asatte” when you want to sound a bit more polite or formal. There are also regional variations like “Nisshō,” “Nisshin,” “Maiban,” and “Kon’ya” that you can explore depending on the region or personal preference.
Practice using these expressions in your conversations to become more comfortable with them. Learning how to express “tomorrow” correctly will undoubtedly enhance your language skills and make you sound more natural when communicating with Japanese speakers.
Enjoy your language journey and have a great time using your newly acquired knowledge to talk about tomorrow in Japanese!
