時間

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 時間がありません。▶ —
   I don't have time.
2. パーティーは何時間ですか。▶ —
   How many hours is the party?

Collocations

Mnemonic

時間 jikan — kanji 時 (time) + 間 (interval). Covers both the abstract "time" and the unit "hour-period". Used as a counter: 5時間 (gojikan) = "5 hours". Distinct from 時 (ji, clock time): 5時 (goji) = "5 o'clock", 5時間 (gojikan) = "5 hours duration".

Quick check

1. How do you say "I worked for 5 hours" in Japanese?

   • 5時間働きました gojikan hatarakimashita (correct, duration)
   • 5時働きました (= "I worked at 5 o'clock")
   • 5時間です (= "It is 5 hours")
   • 5時のあいだ (awkward)