Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "時間", "時刻", "時期", "手間"
All represent the core concept "time", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
時間
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
てま (tema)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "time" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "時間", "時刻", "時期", "手間" based on context.
- 時間 (じかん (jikan) - Level: N5): Maps to "time, hour" and is used when Can mean 'time' in general.
- 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 (てま (tema) - Level: N3): Maps to "time and effort, trouble, labor" and is used when Refers to the time, effort, or labor required to do something. Often used with かかる.
Context for "時間"
私には勉強する時間がありません。
I don't have time to study.
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"
この料理は作るのに手間がかかる。
This dish takes a lot of time and effort to prepare.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私には勉強する ＿＿＿ がありません。" (Meaning: "I don't have time to study.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "時間" is correct here because it represents "time, hour" in the context: "I don't have time to study.".