Japanese word

時計

Pronunciation

Romajitokei

Meaning

  • nounclock

Example

壁の時計を見ます。kabe no tokei o mi ma su

I look at the clock on the wall.

Illustration for 時計 (clock)

More examples

教室の時計を見ます。kyō shitsu no tokei o mi ma su

I look at the clock in the classroom.

出かける前に時計を合わせます。de ka ke ru mae ni tokei o a wa se ma su

I set the clock before I leave.

Core concept

Refers to a timekeeping device that lets a person know what time it is.

Common phrases

  • 時計を見るtokei o mi ru

    look at the clock

  • 時計を合わせるtokei o a wa se ru

    set the clock

  • 時計が止まるtokei ga to ma ru

    the clock stops

Definition in Japanese

時刻を知るために使う器具。ji koku o shi ru ta me ni tsuka u ki gu

Word origin

The word 時計 (tokei, "clock or watch") combines 時 (ji, "time") with 計 (kei, "measure"), forming a word for a device that measures time.

Usage tips

  • A watch is a type of 時計 (tokei), so Japanese speakers use the same word for a wall clock and a wristwatch.

Other meanings

  • watchnoun

Word lists with this word