～に（時間）

How to form it

• Time (clock time, date, day, month) + に: 七時に起きます
• Not used with words like 今日, 明日, 昨日, 毎日 (they take no に)
• Days of the week can take に, but it is sometimes left out

Register: Neutral

Explanation

Shows the time at which something happens.

Clock times, dates and months usually take に. Days of the week can take に, but it is often left out. Relative time words such as 今日, 明日 and 昨日 usually go without に.

Examples

1. 毎朝、七時に起きます。

   まいあさ、しちじにおきます。

   I get up at seven every morning.

2. 日曜日に友達に会います。

   にちようびにともだちにあいます。

   I meet a friend on Sunday.

3. 三月に日本へ行きます。

   さんがつににほんへいきます。

   I will go to Japan in March.

Compare with

• ～から～まで: から and まで give a range of time.

Common mistakes

• Adding に to 今日, 明日 or 昨日 (明日に行きます).
• Leaving out に after a clock time.