What is the difference between "じ" and "時"?

"じ" means "o'clock; time" (N5), whereas "時" represents "o'clock, time" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "じ (ji)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

じ (ji)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

じ (ji)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "じ (ji)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

じ (Level: N5): Translates to "o'clock; time" and is used when A counter suffix used after numbers to indicate hours.
時 (Level: N5): Maps to "o'clock, time" and carries the nuance of Used as a counter for hours.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "じ"

今、4時です。

It's 4 o'clock now.

Bilingual Context for "時"

私は毎日七時に起きます。

I wake up at seven o'clock every day.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "今、4時です。" (Meaning: "It's 4 o'clock now.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "じ" is used for "o'clock; time" in the context: "It's 4 o'clock now.".