Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or is true in the daytime, as opposed to at night. Japanese uses time nouns like 日中 (にっちゅう) or 昼間 (ひるま), often with the particle に or without a particle in casual speech.
To say that an action or state occurs during daylight hours, without specifying exact times.
Common word for 'daytime' or 'during the day'. Often used with に to mark the time.
日中は暑いです。
It's hot during the day.
日中に買い物に行きます。
I'll go shopping during the day.
Also means 'daytime', slightly more casual than 日中. Often used without に in conversation.
昼間はあまり家にいません。
I'm not home much during the day.
Means 'noon' or 'daytime'. Can be used with に or as a standalone time word.
昼に散歩します。
I take a walk during the day.
To emphasize that something continues for the whole daytime period.
Literally 'all day long'. Use when the action spans the entire day.
一日中勉強していました。
I was studying all day.
Means 'all through the daytime'. ずっと adds the sense of continuity.
昼間ずっと寝ていました。
I slept all through the day.
To contrast daytime with nighttime activities or states.
A common contrastive pattern using は. 昼 means 'daytime' here.
昼は働いて、夜は休みます。
I work during the day and rest at night.
More formal contrast, using 日中 and 夜間 (nighttime).
日中は営業していますが、夜間は閉まっています。
We are open during the day, but closed at night.
To refer to a particular part of the day, like morning or afternoon.
Means 'in the morning' (until noon). Use when 'during the day' refers to morning hours.
午前中に会議があります。
There's a meeting during the day (in the morning).
Means 'afternoon'. Use when 'during the day' refers to afternoon hours.
午後に出かけます。
I'll go out during the day (in the afternoon).
日中 (にっちゅう) is slightly more formal and often used in written contexts or schedules. 昼間 (ひるま) is more conversational. Both are interchangeable in most cases.
日中は会議が多いです。
I have many meetings during the day.
昼間はいつも眠い。
I'm always sleepy during the day.
日にち (ひにち) means 'date' or 'number of days', not 'during the day'. Avoid literal translation from English.