Japanese dictionary
How to say "when" in Japanese
いついつ · itsu
"When?" as a question is いつ (itsu). "When I was a child" uses 〜とき (toki): 子どものとき.
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Ways to say "when" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| いついつ · itsu | When (question). |
| 〜とき〜とき · toki | When (a time something happens). |
| 〜たら〜たら · tara | When; if (after something happens). |
How to use it
"When you arrive, call me" uses 〜たら: 着いたら電話してください.
"Since when?" is いつから (itsu kara).
Example sentences
- 誕生日はいつですか。Tanjōbi wa itsu desu ka.When is your birthday?
- 子どものとき、アメリカに住んでいました。Kodomo no toki, Amerika ni sunde imashita.When I was a child, I lived in the United States.
- 着いたら電話してください。Tsuitara denwa shite kudasai.Call me when you arrive.
- いつ日本に来ましたか。Itsu Nihon ni kimashita ka.When did you come to Japan?
- いつから日本語を勉強していますか。Itsu kara Nihongo o benkyō shite imasu ka.How long have you been studying Japanese?
- 時間があるとき、本を読みます。Jikan ga aru toki, hon o yomimasu.I read when I have time.
Questions
What is the difference between いつ and とき?
いつ (itsu) asks "when?" とき (toki) describes the time something happens: 暇なとき (when I'm free).
How do you say "Call me when you arrive" in Japanese?
Say 着いたら電話してください (tsuitara denwa shite kudasai).
Using Japanese at work?
See Executive JapaneseExecutive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.