What does it mean word for word?
The phrase いつ出発しますか？ is composed of itsu (when), shuppatsu suru (to depart/leave) and the polite verb ending masu ka which serves as a question marker.
Which one should you use?
You can also use いつ出ますか？ which utilizes the verb deru (to leave/go out). This is a slightly more casual or common way to ask when one is heading out of a place.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form いつ出発しますか？ is polite and suitable for use with strangers, colleagues or superiors. For friends or family, you can use the informal version いつ出発する？ or the friendly and colloquial いつ出発するの？
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, people may say いつ出発するん？ to ask the same question.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the question informal, you can replace the polite shimasu ka with the dictionary form suru, resulting in いつ出発する？
How do you pronounce it?
Itsu shuppatsu shimasu ka?
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, asking いつ出発しますか？ might be avoided if the answer is already implied. People often use vague phrases to avoid sounding demanding or pushy toward the person in charge of the schedule.
- While English uses 'we' in 'when are we leaving?', Japanese often omits the subject entirely. Mentioning 私たち (watashitachi) for 'we' in this phrase can actually sound unnatural or overly emphatic.
- The word いつ (itsu) for 'when' is used for both specific points in time and general durations. However, it cannot be used to ask 'at what time' if a specific clock time is required, which would require the word 何時 (nan-ji).
Examples in context
- いつ出発しますか？Itsu shuppatsu shimasu ka?When are we leaving?
- 明日の朝、いつ出発しますか？Ashita no asa, itsu shuppatsu shimasu ka?When are we leaving tomorrow morning?
Example conversation
Hiyori and Kenta are preparing for a trip.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、いつ出発しますか？Kenta-san, itsu shuppatsu shimasu ka?Kenta, when are we leaving?
- 健太 Kenta朝の八時に出発しましょう。Asa no hachiji ni shuppatsu shimashou.Let's leave at eight in the morning.
- 陽葵 Himariわかりました。準備をしますね。Wakarimashita. Junbi o shimasu ne.I understand. I will get ready.
- 健太 Kentaはい、よろしくお願いします。Hai, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Yes, please do.
