明日
ashita[a̠ɕi̥ta̠]
明日 (ashita) is the Japanese word for tomorrow.
The term is used to refer to the day after the present day, functioning as both an adverb and a noun. While 明日 is the most common and neutral way to say tomorrow, other variations exist depending on the level of formality required.
Meaning: on the day after the present day (adv)
Which one should you use?
The standard word for tomorrow is 明日 (ashita). For the day after tomorrow, you should use あさって (asatte).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
明日 (ashita) is the standard, neutral form used in everyday conversation. For more formal situations, you can use あす (asu), which is a more literary version often heard in news broadcasts or formal announcements. In extremely formal settings, such as polite business environments or official speeches, the reading みょうにち (myō-nichi) is used to convey a highly polite tone.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
ashita
Did you know?
- One theory suggests 明日 evolved from the verb akasu, which means 'to pass' the night.
- If you are talking to a friend, using the formal みょうにち (myō-nichi) would actually sound strange, as if you were delivering a news report to your best pal.
Examples in context
- 明日来れる？Will you be able to come tomorrow?This sentence shows how to use 明日 when asking about someone's ability to come.Tatoeba #2441707 by tommy_san, translation #323477 by sundown
- 明日来るの？Are you coming tomorrow?This sentence shows how to use 明日 when asking about a scheduled arrival.Tatoeba #8748853 by bunbuku, translation #6389254 by SilasNordgren
- 明日やるの？Will you be doing that tomorrow?This sentence shows how to use 明日 when asking about an intention to do something.Tatoeba #8966980 by bunbuku, translation #6256280 by CK
- 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.
- 1484 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for the next day.
- 健太 Kenta明日は暇かな？ashita wa hima kana?Are you free tomorrow?
- 美咲 Misaki明日は特に予定はないよ。ashita wa tokuni yotei wa nai yo.I don't have any specific plans tomorrow.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、明日映画に行かない？jaa, ashita eiga ni ikanai?Then, do you want to go see a movie tomorrow?
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ、行こう！ii yo, ikou!Sure, let's go!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tomorrow” translations and entries 明日, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 明日, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
