Translation guide
The English word 'timely' describes something happening at a suitable or opportune moment. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, adverbs, and set phrases depending on whether you mean 'well-timed,' 'seasonal,' 'punctual,' or 'up-to-date.'
Describing an action, event, or intervention that occurs exactly when needed or most effective.
A common loanword from English, used in casual and business contexts to mean 'timely' or 'well-timed.' Often used for news, remarks, or actions.
彼のタイムリーな助言が問題解決につながった。
His timely advice led to solving the problem.
A formal expression meaning 'timely' or 'opportune.' Often used in written language or official contexts.
時宜を得た政策が実施された。
A timely policy was implemented.
A phrase meaning 'good timing.' More colloquial than タイムリー, used to describe when something happens at the right moment.
彼の到着はタイミングが良かった。
His arrival was timely.
A casual, slightly playful loan phrase meaning 'good timing.' Often used as an exclamation.
グッドタイミング！ちょうど今から始めるところだよ。
Good timing! We're just about to start.
Describing something that is seasonal or fitting for a particular time, like seasonal foods or events.
Means 'in season' or 'seasonal,' primarily for foods but also for trends or topics that are currently popular.
旬の食材を使った料理は美味しい。
Dishes made with seasonal ingredients are delicious.
Literally 'suited to the season,' used for clothing, activities, or decorations that are appropriate for the time of year.
季節に合った服装を心がけましょう。
Let's try to wear timely clothing.
A formal, somewhat literary term meaning 'seasonal' or 'timely,' often used in greetings or traditional contexts.
時候の挨拶を述べる。
To give a seasonal greeting.
Describing something that occurs exactly on time, without delay.
Means 'on time' or 'punctual.' Used for arrivals, departures, or events that happen as scheduled.
電車は時間通りに到着した。
The train arrived in a timely manner.
A formal term meaning 'scheduled' or 'on time,' often used in transportation or official schedules.
定刻の出発をお知らせします。
We announce the timely departure.
Describing information, technology, or trends that are recent and relevant.
Means 'latest' or 'most recent.' Used for news, data, or versions.
最新の情報を提供します。
We provide timely information.
Also used for 'timely' in the sense of being current or topical, especially for news or comments.
タイムリーな話題を取り上げる。
To cover a timely topic.
タイムリー is a casual, everyday loanword suitable for most situations. 時宜を得た is formal and often used in written or official contexts. For spoken Japanese, タイミングが良い is also common.
English often uses 'timely' as an adverb (e.g., 'arrive timely'), but this is not standard in Japanese. Use 時間通りに (on time) or タイミング良く (with good timing) instead.
時間通りに到着した。
Arrived in a timely manner.
迅速なご返信に感謝いたします。
Your timely response is appreciated.
In business contexts, 'timely' often translates to 迅速な (prompt) rather than a direct equivalent.
報告書は期限通りに提出された。
The report was submitted in a timely fashion.
期限通りに means 'by the deadline,' a natural way to express timeliness in formal settings.