時 – Time / Hour (Ji / Toki Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 時.
Kanji 時 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
時 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used to state the hour when telling time, such as 九時 (kuji – nine o'clock), and in compound words such as 時間 (jikan – time, duration).
Used as a standalone word meaning time or moment, such as 時々 (tokidoki – sometimes) and 子供の時 (kodomo no toki – when I was a child).
時 Stroke Order – How to Write 時
時 is written with 10 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the sun radical 日 first, then the top horizontal, vertical, and two diagonal strokes of the right-side component, finishing with the bottom horizontal.
Common Words Using 時 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 時, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 時
See 時 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
今、何時ですか。
いま、なんじですか。
Ima, nanji desu ka.
What time is it now?
会議は九時に始まります。
かいぎは くじに はじまります。
Kaigi wa kuji ni hajimarimasu.
The meeting starts at nine o'clock.
私は時々映画を見ます。
わたしは ときどき えいがを みます。
Watashi wa tokidoki eiga o mimasu.
I sometimes watch movies.
駅まで行く時間がありません。
えきまで いく じかんが ありません。
Eki made iku jikan ga arimasen.
I don't have time to go to the station.
子供の時、よく公園で遊びました。
こどもの とき、よく こうえんで あそびました。
Kodomo no toki, yoku kouen de asobimashita.
When I was a child, I often played in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions About 時
What does the Kanji 時 mean?
時 means time or hour. It is one of the most essential JLPT N5 kanji, used for telling time, as in 九時 (kuji, nine o'clock), and for talking about moments in time, as in 時間 (jikan, time/duration).
What is the Onyomi reading of 時?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 時 is ジ (ji), as in 時間 (jikan, time) and 九時 (kuji, nine o'clock).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 時?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 時 is とき (toki), meaning "time" or "moment," as in 時々 (tokidoki, sometimes) and 子供の時 (kodomo no toki, when I was a child).
How many strokes does 時 have?
時 is written with 10 strokes.
Is 時 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 時 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for telling time and describing when something happens.
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