Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "じかん", "時刻", "時期", "手間暇"
All represent the core concept "time", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
じかん
じかん (jikan)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
時刻
じこく (jikoku)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
時期
じき (jiki)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
手間暇
てまひま (temahima)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "time" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "じかん", "時刻", "時期", "手間暇" based on context.
- じかん (じかん (jikan) - Level: N5): Maps to "time" and is used when Refers to a period of time, or the concept of time itself. Used in many common phrases like 時間があります.
- 時刻 (じこく (jikoku) - Level: N4): Maps to "time (specific point); hour" and is used when Refers to a specific point in time, such as the departure time of a train or a meeting's start time, rather than a duration.
- 時期 (じき (jiki) - Level: N3): Maps to "time; season; period; phase; stage" and is used when Refers to a specific season, period, phase, or life stage suitable for a particular activity. Often used as 収穫の時期 or 決定の時期. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Phase! "I am searching for the perfect phase and timing to propose to you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To search for a timing! B-Baka! Propose already! Don't overthink the stage! Just wrap your arms around me and whisper it directly right now! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『じき（時期）！『ハルカさんにプロポーズするのに最適な時期やタイミングを、毎日慎重に見極めています！』って…っ！時期を見極めるなんてバカ！プロポーズなんて、今すぐこの場で私をギュッと抱きしめながら言えばいいのよ！焦らさないで！』.
- 手間暇 (てまひま (temahima) - Level: N2): Maps to "time and effort" and is used when A compound noun referring specifically to the combination of effort.
Context for "じかん"
待ち合わせの時間に遅れました。
I was late for the meeting time.
Context for "時刻"
電車の時刻を駅で確認しました。
I confirmed the train's time at the station.
Context for "時期"
新卒の学生たちが就職活動を本格的に開始するのに最も適した_______について、大学のキャリアアドバイザーに個別で相談しました。
Regarding the period most suitable for new graduate students to start job hunting in earnest, I consulted individually with a university career advisor.
Context for "手間暇"
手間暇かけて作った料理は格別だ。
Food made with time and effort is exceptional.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "待ち合わせの時間に遅れました。" (Meaning: "I was late for the meeting time.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "じかん" is correct here because it represents "time" in the context: "I was late for the meeting time.".