腕時計
udedokei[ɯ̟de̞do̞ke̞ː]
The English phrase "wrist watch" is translated into Japanese as 腕時計 (udedokei).
腕時計 is used to refer to a small clock worn on a strap around the wrist.
Which one should you use?
While 腕時計 is the standard term, the katakana loanword ウオッチ is also used to refer to a wristwatch, often in a more fashion-oriented or modern context.
How do you pronounce it?
udedokei
Did you know?
- In Japan, it is often considered a sign of professionalism or diligence to wear a 腕時計 during business meetings to avoid the perceived rudeness of checking a smartphone for the time.
- The first character in 腕時計 is 腕, which means 'arm' rather than just 'wrist'. In Japanese, the entire limb is often used to describe the placement of items on the wrist.
- The term 時計 describes the object by its function as a 'time-measurer' rather than its physical shape.
Examples in context
- お世話になっているお父さんに、 腕時計 をプレゼントしました。I gave a wrist watch as a present to my kind father.
- 昨日、新しい 時計 を買ったんだ。めちゃくちゃカッコいいんだよ！I bought a new watch yesterday. It's really cool!
- 新しい腕時計を買いました。Atarashii udedokei o kaimashita.I bought a new wrist watch.
- その腕時計はとてもおしゃれですね。Sono udedokei wa totemo oshare desu ne.That wrist watch is very stylish, isn't it?
- 彼は腕時計を忘れてきました。Kare wa udedokei o wasurete kimashita.He forgot his wrist watch.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are looking at a display in a shop window.
- 蓮 Renこの腕時計、かっこいいですね。Kono udedokei, kakkoii desu ne.This wrist watch is cool, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari本当ですね。蓮さんに似合いそうです。Hontou desu ne. Ren-san ni niaiso desu.True. It looks like it would suit you, Ren.
- 蓮 Ren本当？ちょっと高すぎるかな。Hontou? Chotto takasugiru kana.Really? I wonder if it's a bit too expensive.
- 陽葵 Himariでも、デザインがとても素敵ですよ。Demo, dezain ga totemo suteki desu yo.But the design is very lovely.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 腕時計, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 腕時計, CC BY-SA 4.0.
