Translation guide
How to express 'suitable time' in Japanese, covering general convenience, good timing, and specific occasions.
The speaker wants to refer to a time that works well for someone or something, often in scheduling contexts.
A common, natural phrase meaning 'a convenient time'. Used when asking or stating what time suits someone.
都合のいい時間を教えてください。
Please let me know a time that works for you.
The speaker wants to indicate that a particular moment is right for an action, often implying timeliness or a window of opportunity.
Refers to a suitable period or season for something, like travel, planting, or making a change. '時期' means 'time/period/season'.
今が旅行に行くのにいい時期だ。
Now is a good time to go on a trip.
The speaker is referring to a time slot that is appropriate for scheduling an event, meeting, or appointment.
Means 'suitable time' in a practical sense. Note: 適当 can also mean 'half-hearted' in some contexts, but here it clearly means 'appropriate'.
会議の適当な時間を決めましょう。
Let's decide on a suitable time for the meeting.
時間 (じかん) refers to clock time or a specific time slot. 時期 (じき) refers to a period, season, or phase. 頃 (ころ/ごろ) means 'around the time' and is used for approximate timing. Choose based on whether you mean a point in time, a stretch of time, or a rough timeframe.
The direct translation '適切な時間' is understandable but can sound stiff or unnatural in casual speech. Use 都合のいい時間 for scheduling, いい時期 for seasons, and 頃合い for opportune moments.
Do you have a convenient time tomorrow?
Slightly more formal variant using 良い (よい) instead of いい. Interchangeable in most situations.
都合の良い時間にご連絡ください。
Please contact me at a time that is convenient for you.
Very polite, formal expression used in business or customer service. Literally 'a time that is convenient for you (honorific)'.
ご都合のよろしい時間をお知らせいただけますか。
Could you let me know a time that would be convenient for you?
When is a good time to change jobs?
More formal, meaning 'appropriate time/period'. Used in business or official contexts.
プロジェクトを開始する適切な時期を検討しています。
We are considering the appropriate time to start the project.
Means 'the right moment' or 'suitable time', often with a nuance of 'just the right timing' after waiting or observing. Used in daily conversation.
そろそろ出かけるのに頃合いだ。
It's about the right time to head out.
頃合いを見て話を切り出そう。
I'll bring up the topic when the time is right.
Literally 'tide time', meaning the best time to act, often used when deciding to quit or make a big move. Has a slightly dramatic nuance.
会社を辞めるなら今が潮時だ。
If I'm going to quit the company, now is the time.
Implies a time that is convenient and not too demanding, like 'a handy time'. Often used for casual appointments.
手頃な時間にランチでもどう？
How about lunch at a time that's good for you?