Translation and Meaning of: 時刻 - jikoku

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 時刻[じこく]. It is quite common in daily life and appears in various contexts, from digital clocks to public transport schedules. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical use, as well as interesting facts that can help with memorization.

The term 時刻 is composed of two kanji and carries a specific meaning related to time and hours. Throughout the text, you will discover how it differs from other similar words, in which situations it is most commonly used, and even tips to avoid confusing its pronunciation. Shall we begin?

Meaning and use of 時刻

時刻 [じこく] literally means "hour" or "exact moment in time." Unlike words like 時間 [じかん] (which refers to a period of time), 時刻 indicates a specific point, such as "14:30" or "midnight." Therefore, it is commonly seen on train station signs, transportation apps, and schedules.

An interesting detail is that, although it can be used alone, 時刻 often appears in combinations such as 発車時刻[はっしゃじこく] (departure time) or 到着時刻[とうちゃくじこく] (arrival time). This feature makes it even more useful for everyday situations in Japan.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 時刻 is formed by the kanjis 時 (hour, time) and 刻 (to mark, to engrave). Together, they convey the idea of a marked or recorded time. The first kanji, 時, is widely used in other time-related words, such as 時代[じだい] (era) and 一時[いちじ] (one hour). Meanwhile, 刻 appears in like 彫刻[ちょうこく] (sculpture) and 深刻[しんこく] (serious).

It is worth noting that 刻 can also mean "to carve" or "to sculpt," which reinforces the notion of precision associated with 時刻. This connection between marking and time refers to the ancient practice of measuring hours with sundials or water clocks in feudal Japan.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to solidify 時刻 is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, when looking at a timetable in the Tokyo subway, notice how the word appears in 現在時刻[げんざいじこく] (current time). This kind of practical exposure helps to internalize vocabulary naturally.

Interestingly, although 時刻 is essential for Japanese punctuality – famous all over the world – it is not the most frequently used word in daily life. like 何時[なんじ] (what time?) or 〇時[〇じ] (X o'clock) are more commonly used in informal conversations. Nevertheless, knowing 時刻 is fundamental for those who want to master Japanese in formal and written contexts.