Translation guide
Expresses the idea of 'one night' in Japanese, covering a single night's duration, a specific night, or an overnight stay. The most common and versatile expression is 一晩 (hitoban).
To express a period of one night, often in contexts like staying overnight, doing something all night, or a single night's sleep.
To refer to a particular night, often in storytelling or when specifying which night.
Means 'one night' in the sense of 'a certain night'. Used to introduce an event that happened on a particular night.
ある夜、不思議な夢を見た。
One night, I had a strange dream.
To talk about staying somewhere for one night, such as at a hotel or a friend's house.
一晩 (hitoban) is the most common for 'one night' as a duration. 一夜 (ichiya/hitoyo) is more literary. 一泊 (ippaku) is specifically for overnight stays, often used in travel contexts.
The English phrase 'one night stand' for a brief sexual encounter is not translated directly. Use 一夜限りの関係 (ichiya kagiri no kankei) or the loanword ワンナイトラブ (wan naito rabu).
I was up all night.
ここに一晩泊まれますか？
Can I stay here for one night?
Also means 'one night', but slightly more literary or formal. Often used in set phrases or poetic contexts.
一夜にして城が建った。
The castle was built in one night.
The native Japanese reading of 一夜, often used in traditional or poetic contexts, or in compound words.
一夜明けると雪が積もっていた。
When the night passed, snow had piled up.
Can also refer to a specific night, especially in literary or historical contexts.
一夜の宿を求めた。
I sought lodging for one night.
Specifically means 'one night's stay', used for hotels, inns, or trips. Counted as 一泊二日 (one night, two days).
一泊二日の旅行に行った。
I went on a one-night, two-day trip.
一泊いくらですか？
How much is it per night?
A more casual way to say 'stay one night', using 一晩 (one night) + 泊まる (stay).
友達の家に一晩泊まった。
I stayed one night at my friend's house.