Pointing to a time
Core words, Stage 3chunk 26 of 76Life and time
Lets you place events in time: back when, before, from now, the moment.
- korotime when; around (a time)
- kongofrom now on; in future
- shunkanmoment; the instant (something happens)
- izenbefore; previously
Mix-ups izen and kongo are a bit formal; in chat use mae and kore kara.
koro
time when; around (a time)
Follows a description: kodomo no koro (when I was a kid).
After a clock time it becomes -goro: sanji goro (around three).
kodomo no koro, koko de yoku asondeta.
I used to play here a lot as a kid.
子供の頃、ここでよく遊んでた。
kodomo no koro, koko de yoku asonde imashita.
I often played here when I was a child.
子供の頃、ここでよく遊んでいました。
Written 頃 · ころRank #822 in 3,030 TV dramas
kongo
from now on; in future
A bit formal; in chat people mostly say kore kara.
kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai shimasu is a set business sign-off.
kongo ki o tsukete ne.
Be more careful from now on.
今後気をつけてね。
kongo wa ki o tsukemasu.
I'll be more careful from now on.
今後は気をつけます。
Written 今後 · こんごRank #958 in 3,030 TV dramas
shunkan
moment; the instant (something happens)
After a past-form verb: mita shunkan (the moment I saw it).
kao mita shunkan, wakatta yo.
I knew the moment I saw his face.
顔見た瞬間、わかったよ。
kao o mita shunkan, wakarimashita.
I knew the instant I saw his face.
顔を見た瞬間、わかりました。
Written 瞬間 · しゅんかんRank #1042 in 3,030 TV dramas
izen
before; previously
A little formal; in chat people usually say mae.
X izen = X or earlier: sanji izen (by three).
izen koko de hataraiteta n da.
I used to work here.
以前ここで働いてたんだ。
izen koko de hataraite imashita.
I used to work here.
以前ここで働いていました。
Written 以前 · いぜんRank #1063 in 3,030 TV dramas