Home > Japanese Lessons > Learn Japanese Online > Lesson 4　What time is it now?

Learn Japanese Online Lesson 4　What time is it now?

Cuong has been getting ready to attend a meeting. He wants to make sure he isn't late, because he knows well that the Japanese like punctuality.

Play audio opening a new window

Download MP3 of all lessons

Key Phrase: IMA, NANJI DESU KA?

Detail Script
クオン	いま何時ですか？	What time is it now?
CUONG	IMA, NANJI DESU KA?	What time is it now?
山田	４時１５分です。	It's four fifteen.
YAMADA	YOJI-JÛGOFUN DESU.	It's four fifteen.
クオン	会議は何時に終わりますか？	What time will the meeting finish?
CUONG	KAIGI WA NANJI NI OWARIMASU KA?	What time will the meeting finish?
山田	５時ごろですよ。	Around five o'clock.
YAMADA	GOJI GORO DESU YO.	Around five o'clock.

Tips for Living in Japan (じょうたつのコツ)

Many visitors to Japan are surprised to find that the trains here usually operate on time. In fact, most Japanese like things to proceed exactly as scheduled. According to the results of a survey carried out by a leading watch-maker, about 50% of people answered "within five minutes" to the question "How long do you allow commuter trains to be late before you start getting irritated?"
When meeting someone, it's regarded as good manners to arrive five minutes before the scheduled time. You will often hear people comment that they went to a meeting place just on time, only to discover they were the last person to arrive! In the case of business meetings, in particular, you may lose credibility if you arrive late. So if you are likely to be late, it's polite to telephone and inform the person you're meeting. Many Japanese get annoyed even if you're only five minutes late for an appointment!

Source : Citizen

« Previous Lesson (3) | Next Lesson (5) »

Back to index