Japanese word

一刻

Pronunciation

Romajiikkoku

Meaning

  • nouna moment

Example

一刻ほどお待ちください。ik koku ho do o ma chi ku da sa i

Please wait for a moment.

Illustration for 一刻 (a moment)

More examples

締め切りが近いので、一刻も早く原稿を完成させます。shi me ki ri ga chika i no de ik koku mo haya ku gen kō o kan sei sa se ma su

Because the deadline is near, I will finish the manuscript as soon as possible.

Core concept

Marks a brief period that is felt as a small but distinct amount of time.

Common phrases

  • 一刻を争うik koku o araso u

    race against time

  • 一刻も早くik koku mo haya ku

    as soon as possible

Similar words

瞬間shunkan: A single point or extremely brief interval in time.
一時ichiji: A temporary period marked by a particular situation or purpose.
束の間tsukanoma: A brief period that passes quickly.

Definition in Japanese

わずかな時間、しばらくの間。wa zu ka na ji kan shi ba ra ku no aida

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 一刻 (ikkoku) combines 一 (ichi, "one") with 刻 (koku, "a division of time"), giving the sense of one measured time span.

Usage tips

  • The expression 一刻も早く (ikkoku mo hayaku) means "as soon as possible" and gives the brief period a sense of urgency.

Other meanings

  • a short whilenoun

Word lists with this word