Translation guide
The period of the day between sunrise and sunset, when it is light outside. In Japanese, the most common word is 昼間 (hiruma), but other expressions are used depending on context, such as 日中 (nitchū) for formal or written contexts, and 昼 (hiru) for casual reference to daytime hours.
Referring to the time of day when the sun is up, in a general or neutral sense.
The most common and neutral word for 'daytime', used in everyday conversation.
昼間は暖かいですね。
It's warm during the daytime, isn't it?
昼間に散歩するのが好きです。
I like taking walks in the daytime.
Slightly more formal and often used in written language or news. Can also mean 'during the day' as opposed to night.
日中は気温が上がるでしょう。
Temperatures will rise during the daytime.
Often means 'noon' or 'lunchtime', but can also refer broadly to daytime, especially in casual speech. Context usually clarifies.
昼はまだ暑いね。
It's still hot during the day, huh?
Emphasizing the contrast between day and night, often in expressions like 'day and night'.
The standard phrase for 'day and night'.
昼と夜の長さがほぼ同じになる日を春分といいます。
The day when the lengths of day and night become almost equal is called the spring equinox.
A compound word meaning 'day and night', often used in formal or written contexts.
昼夜を問わず働く。
Work regardless of day or night.
Expressing that something happens or is done in the daytime.
The most natural way to say 'in the daytime' or 'during the day'.
昼間に買い物に行きます。
I'll go shopping in the daytime.
More formal alternative to 昼間に.
日中に会議があります。
There is a meeting during the day.
Referring to the hours of daylight, often in contexts like schedules or business hours.
Literally 'daytime time zone', used for specifying daytime hours.
昼間の時間帯に電話してください。
Please call during daytime hours.
Similar to above but more formal.
日中の時間を有効に使いましょう。
Let's make effective use of the daytime hours.
昼間 (hiruma) is the everyday word for daytime. 日中 (nitchū) is more formal and often used in writing or news. 昼 (hiru) can mean noon or daytime depending on context; it's casual and common in phrases like 昼ごはん (lunch).
English 'day' can mean a 24-hour period or daytime. Japanese distinguishes: 一日 (ichinichi) for a full day, 昼間 for daytime. Saying 一日中 (ichinichijū) means 'all day long', not specifically daytime.