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Japanese Versatility List

Before, during, last time

Core words, Stage 2chunk 36 of 80Life and time

Lets you place things around an event: on the way, last time, right before, on the day.

Mix-ups Toujitsu (on the day) vs touji (at the time).

tochuu

on the way; in the middle (of)

Both partway along a route (kaeri no tochuu, on the way home) and partway through a task.

Tochuu de = partway, before finishing: tochuu de yameta (I quit halfway).

casual

ima eki ni iku tochuu da yo

I'm on my way to the station now.

今駅に行く途中だよ

polite

ima eki ni iku tochuu desu

I'm on my way to the station now.

今駅に行く途中です

Written 途中 · とちゅうRank #844 in 3,030 TV dramas

zenkai

last time; the previous one

The previous meeting, episode, visit or lesson in a series.

Konkai = this time, jikai = next time. Casual 'the other time' is kono mae.

casual

zenkai no tsuzuki kara yarou

Let's pick up where we left off last time.

前回の続きからやろう

polite

zenkai no tsuzuki kara yarimashou

Let's pick up where we left off last time.

前回の続きからやりましょう

Written 前回 · ぜんかいRank #2939 in 3,030 TV dramas

chokuzen

just before; right before

After a noun with no or a verb: shiken no chokuzen, deru chokuzen (right before leaving).

Opposite: chokugo (right after). Plain 'before' is mae.

casual

dekakeru chokuzen ni kizuita

I noticed right before I went out.

出かける直前に気づいた

polite

dekakeru chokuzen ni kizukimashita

I noticed right before I went out.

出かける直前に気づきました

Written 直前 · ちょくぜんRank #2336 in 3,030 TV dramas

toujitsu

on the day; the day itself

The day of a planned event: a test, trip, wedding or booking.

Don't mix it up with touji (at the time).

casual

chiketto wa toujitsu demo kaeru yo

You can buy tickets on the day too.

チケットは当日でも買えるよ

polite

chiketto wa toujitsu demo kaemasu yo

You can buy tickets on the day too.

チケットは当日でも買えますよ

Written 当日 · とうじつRank #2396 in 3,030 TV dramas