Mastering Japanese Time Expressions with Steins;Gate

Are you struggling to understand Japanese time expressions? Do you find it difficult to keep track of the different ways to express time in Japanese? If so, you’re not alone. Japanese time expressions can be confusing, but with the help of the popular anime series Steins;Gate, you can master them in no time.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of Japanese time expressions and how they are used in context. We’ll also provide you with vocabulary lists and sample sentences to help you practice using these expressions in your own conversations. So, let’s dive in!

Introduction

Have you ever watched an anime or read a manga and found yourself confused by the time expressions used by the characters? Japanese time expressions can be tricky, but they are an essential part of the language. In this article, we’ll show you how to master Japanese time expressions using examples from the popular anime series Steins;Gate.

What are Japanese Time Expressions?

Japanese time expressions are words and phrases used to indicate time. They can be divided into two categories: absolute time expressions and relative time expressions.

Absolute Time Expressions

Absolute time expressions refer to specific points in time and are fixed. They include:

– 年 (nen) – year
– 月 (gatsu) – month
– 日 (nichi) – day
– 時 (ji) – hour
– 分 (fun) – minute
– 秒 (byou) – second

Relative Time Expressions

Relative time expressions refer to time in relation to something else. They include:

– 今 (ima) – now
– 昨日 (kinou) – yesterday
– 明日 (ashita) – tomorrow
– 先週 (senshuu) – last week
– 来週 (raishuu) – next week
– 先月 (sengetsu) – last month
– 来月 (raigetsu) – next month
– 今年 (kotoshi) – this year
– 来年 (rainen) – next year
– 去年 (kyonen) – last year

How to Use Japanese Time Expressions

Now that we’ve covered the different types of Japanese time expressions, let’s look at how they are used in context.

Using Absolute Time Expressions

When using absolute time expressions, you simply state the time using the appropriate word or phrase. For example:

– 今日は2022年1月1日です。(Kyou wa 2022-nen 1-gatsu 1-nichi desu.) – Today is January 1st, 2022.
– 今は午後3時です。(Ima wa gogo san-ji desu.) – It is 3 PM now.

Using Relative Time Expressions

When using relative time expressions, you need to consider the context of the conversation. For example:

– 明日は会議があります。(Ashita wa kaigi ga arimasu.) – There is a meeting tomorrow.
– 先週、友達と映画を見ました。(Senshuu, tomodachi to eiga wo mimashita.) – I watched a movie with my friend last week.

Vocabulary Lists

To help you practice using Japanese time expressions, we’ve created two vocabulary lists. The first list includes words and phrases related to absolute time expressions, and the second list includes words and phrases related to relative time expressions.

Absolute Time Expressions Vocabulary List

– 年 (nen) – year
– 月 (gatsu) – month
– 日 (nichi) – day
– 時 (ji) – hour
– 分 (fun) – minute
– 秒 (byou) – second
– 午前 (gozen) – AM
– 午後 (gogo) – PM
– 午前中 (gozenchuu) – in the morning
– 午後中 (gogochuu) – in the afternoon
– 夕方 (yuugata) – in the evening
– 深夜 (shinya) – late at night

Relative Time Expressions Vocabulary List

Conclusion

Japanese time expressions can be confusing, but with the help of Steins;Gate, you can master them in no time. Remember to use absolute time expressions for specific points in time and relative time expressions for time in relation to something else. Practice using the vocabulary lists we’ve provided, and soon you’ll be using Japanese time expressions like a pro.

Questions

1. What are the two categories of Japanese time expressions?
2. What are some examples of absolute time expressions?
3. How do you use relative time expressions in context?
4. What is the Japanese word for “yesterday”?
5. What is the Japanese word for “next year”?

Answers:

1. Absolute time expressions and relative time expressions.
2. 年 (nen), 月 (gatsu), 日 (nichi), 時 (ji), 分 (fun), 秒 (byou).
3. You need to consider the context of the conversation.
4. 昨日 (kinou).
5. 来年 (rainen).

Mastering Japanese Time Expressions with Steins;Gate