懐中時計
kaichū-tokei[ka̠it͡ɕɨːdo̞ke̞ː]
The English phrase watch is translated into Japanese as 懐中時計 (kaichū-tokei). If unsure, use 懐中時計. Wiktionary also lists 時計 (tokei) and ウオッチ (uotchi).
Meaning: portable or wearable timepiece (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 懐中時計 | kaichū-tokei | [ka̠it͡ɕɨːdo̞ke̞ː] (narrow) |
| 時計 | tokei | [to̞ke̞ː] (narrow) [to̞kʲiha̠ka̠ɾʲi] (narrow) |
| ウオッチ | uotchi | [ɯ̟o̞t̚t͡ɕi] (narrow) |
A watch is a portable or wearable timepiece. While 時計 is a common and straightforward word for a timepiece or a watch, it is used for both wristwatches and wall clocks, so context is required to distinguish between them.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 懐中時計 (kaichū-tokei) literally means 'pocket watch'. It is composed of 懐中 (kaichū) meaning 'in the bosom/pocket' and 時計 (tokei) meaning 'timepiece'.
Which one should you use?
懐中時計 specifically refers to a pocket watch. In contrast, 時計 is the general word for any timepiece, but it is also the most common way to refer to a wristwatch in daily conversation. The form ウオッチ is also available.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kaichū-tokei
Did you know?
- The word 時計 is actually derived from an ancient Chinese term for a sundial made of clay, originally written as 土圭.
- Historically, the term 懐中時計 was used for watches tucked into the folds of a kimono, as traditional Japanese dress lacked western-style pockets.
- While 時計 is the standard term, the loanword ウオッチ is often used in fashion and marketing to give a product a more modern or Western feel.
Examples in context
- 時計してる？Are you wearing a watch?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is wearing a 時計.Tatoeba #10465334 by small_snow, translation #6356007 by CK
- 時計を盗まれた。I had my watch stolen.This sentence is useful for describing having a 時計 stolen.Tatoeba #150479 by KK_kaku_, translation #258135 by CK
- 時計買ったんだ。I bought a watch.This sentence is useful for stating that one bought a 時計.Tatoeba #11294854 by small_snow, translation #258137 by CK
- 私は時計が好きです。I like watches.
- この懐中時計はとても素敵ですね。This pocket watch is very beautiful, isn't it?
- 220 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta shows Yui an old item he found.
- 健太 Kentaこれは祖父の懐中時計です。Kore wa sofu no kaichūdokei desu.This is my grandfather's pocket watch.
- 結衣 Yui懐中時計なんて、かっこいいですね。Kaichūdokei nante, kakkoii desu ne.A pocket watch! That's so cool.
- 健太 Kentaまだ動くか見てみます。Mada ugoku ka mite mimasu.I'll see if it still works.
- 結衣 Yui大切にしてくださいね。Taisetsu ni shite kudasai ne.Please take good care of it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “watch” translations and entries 懐中時計, 時計, ウオッチ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ウオッチ, 懐中時計, 時計, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
