Translation guide
A time slot is a specific period of time scheduled for an activity. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with 時間帯 (jikan-tai) for a general time range, or 枠 (waku) for a scheduled slot in a timetable. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a broad part of the day or a fixed appointment window.
Referring to a broad period of the day when something happens or is available.
The most common and neutral word for 'time slot' as a range of hours. Used for TV programs, traffic patterns, business hours, etc.
この時間帯は道路が混みます。
The roads are crowded during this time slot.
深夜の時間帯に放送されます。
It will be broadcast in the late-night time slot.
Simply 'time', often used in compound phrases to indicate a slot. Less specific than 時間帯 but very common.
予約の時間を教えてください。
Please tell me the time slot for the reservation.
A specific, often numbered, slot in a schedule (e.g., doctor's appointment, class period).
Literally 'frame', used for a slot in a timetable or reservation system. Very common for appointments and limited-capacity events.
午後の診療枠は空いていますか？
Is there an open time slot in the afternoon clinic?
その時間枠はもう埋まっています。
That time slot is already filled.
Used mainly in educational contexts for a class period or lecture slot. Casual.
次のコマは空いてる？
Is your next time slot free?
Loanword from English, used in technical or scheduling software contexts. Not common in daily conversation.
A specific broadcast period, often referred to in media contexts.
Specifically a broadcast slot. Used for TV and radio schedules.
この番組はゴールデンタイムの放送枠です。
This program is in the prime time slot.
Refers to the actual airing time, often used in media industry.
オンエア時間が変更になりました。
The time slot has been changed.
Use 時間帯 for a continuous range of time (e.g., 'morning time slot'). Use 枠 for a discrete, often numbered, slot in a schedule (e.g., 'the 3pm appointment slot').
朝の時間帯に運動する。
I exercise in the morning time slot.
3時の枠を予約した。
I reserved the 3 o'clock slot.
会議のスロットを予約してください。
Please reserve a time slot for the meeting.