If you’re learning Japanese, it’s important to know how to talk about weekends. Whether you’re making plans with friends or discussing your weekend activities, being able to say ‘this weekend’ in Japanese is essential for effective communication.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the different ways of expressing weekends in Japanese. Specifically, we’ll focus on how to say ‘this weekend’ in Japanese, its accurate translation, and its usage in conversations. We’ll also provide alternative phrases and expand your Japanese vocabulary related to weekends.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to talk about weekends in Japanese and confidently discuss your weekend plans with your Japanese friends or colleagues.
Understanding Time Expressions in Japanese
Before delving into the specific Japanese word for ‘this weekend’, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how time expressions work in Japanese. Unlike in English, where time is typically expressed using prepositions like ‘on’, ‘at’ or ‘in’, Japanese uses different words and particles to indicate time periods.
For example, to express ‘today’ in Japanese, you would say ‘kyou’, while to refer to ‘yesterday’, you would say ‘kinou’. Similarly, to indicate ‘tomorrow’, the Japanese word is ‘ashita’.
When it comes to weekends, the Japanese language has specific words and phrases to refer to the two days off that occur on Saturdays and Sundays. The Japanese word for ‘weekend’ is ‘shuumatsu’, which is composed of the characters for ‘end’ and ‘week’.
The specific word for ‘this weekend’ in Japanese is ‘konshuu no shuumatsu’, which literally translates to ‘this week’s end’. This phrase can be used to refer to the upcoming weekend that is closest to the current time.
Saying ‘This Weekend’ in Japanese
To say ‘this weekend’ in Japanese, the most common phrase used is “こんしゅうまつ” (konshuumatsu). It is a combination of two words – “konshuu” meaning “this week” and “matsu” meaning “end”. Therefore, the literal translation of “konshuumatsu” is “this week’s end”.
The pronunciation of “こんしゅうまつ” (konshuumatsu) is as follows:
| Japanese Characters | Romanization | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 今週末 | konshuumatsu | kohn-shoe-maht-soo |
It is important to note that in many cases, the context of a conversation can imply the time period being referred to, without explicitly stating “this weekend”. Therefore, it is also useful to familiarize oneself with other time expressions in Japanese, as discussed in section 2.
Common Variations of “Konshuumatsu”
While “こんしゅうまつ” (konshuumatsu) is the most common and straightforward phrase for “this weekend” in Japanese, there are a few variations that learners may come across in different contexts. Here are some examples:
- 今度の週末 (kondo no shuumatsu) – meaning “the coming weekend”
- 今週の土日 (konshuu no do-nichi) – meaning “this week’s Saturday and Sunday”
- 今週の休日 (konshuu no kyuujitsu) – meaning “this week’s holiday”
These variations are not interchangeable with “こんしゅうまつ” (konshuumatsu), but rather provide additional options for expressing the same idea in different phrasing.
Alternative Ways to Refer to ‘This Weekend’ in Japanese
While the phrase “この週末” or “kono shumatsu” is the most common way to refer to ‘this weekend’ in Japanese, there are alternative expressions that you can use to convey the same meaning.
One alternative is to use the word “今週末” or “konshumatsu,” which means “this weekend” as well. However, it specifically refers to the weekend of the current week, whereas “kono shumatsu” can be used for any upcoming weekend.
Another option is to use the phrase “今週の土曜日と日曜日” or “konshu no doyobi to nichiyobi,” which translates to “this Saturday and Sunday of this week”. This expression is more specific, but it may also sound more formal or less conversational in some situations.
Keep in mind that there may be regional or dialectal variations when it comes to time expressions in Japanese. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with native speakers or language experts to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.
Practical Examples of Using ‘This Weekend’ in Conversations
Now that you know how to say and express ‘this weekend’ in Japanese, let’s explore some practical examples of how to use it in conversations.
Example 1:
| You: | こんしゅうの週末に何をする予定ですか？ |
|---|---|
| English: | What are your plans for this weekend? |
| Response: | 土曜日に映画館に行くつもりです。 |
| English: | I plan on going to the movie theater on Saturday. |
Example 2:
| You: | 来週の週末、一緒にハイキングに行きませんか？ |
|---|---|
| English: | Do you want to go hiking together next weekend? |
| Response: | 残念ですが、来週の週末は忙しいです。 |
| English: | Unfortunately, I’m busy next weekend. |
As you can see, incorporating ‘this weekend’ in your conversations will allow you to effectively communicate your plans and make suggestions to others. Practice using this phrase in different scenarios to become more confident in your Japanese speaking skills.
Expand Your Japanese Vocabulary for Describing Weekends
Now that you know how to say ‘this weekend’ in Japanese, it’s time to expand your vocabulary for describing different weekend activities or expressing preferences.
Here are some useful words and phrases you can use:
行く (iku) – to go
This verb can be used to describe different weekend activities, such as:
- 山 (yama) – mountain/hiking
- 海 (umi) – sea/beach
- 温泉 (onsen) – hot springs
- 映画 (eiga) – movie
- 食事 (shokuji) – meal
する (suru) – to do
This verb can also be used to describe different weekend activities, such as:
- ショッピング (shoppingu) – shopping
- スポーツ (supootsu) – sports
- 運動 (undou) – exercise
- 読書 (dokusho) – reading
- 旅行 (ryokou) – traveling
好き (suki) – like
Use this adjective to express your likes or preferences, such as:
- 山が好きです (yama ga suki desu) – I like mountains
- 温泉が好きです (onsen ga suki desu) – I like hot springs
- ショッピングが好きです (shoppingu ga suki desu) – I like shopping
楽しい (tanoshii) – fun
Use this adjective to describe your weekend activities, such as:
- 山登りは楽しいです (yamadori wa tanoshii desu) – Mountain climbing is fun
- ビーチで泳ぐのは楽しいです (biichi de oyogu no wa tanoshii desu) – Swimming at the beach is fun
- 映画を見るのは楽しいです (eiga wo miru no wa tanoshii desu) – Watching movies is fun
Remember that using these words and phrases will not only help you describe your weekend activities in Japanese, but also make your conversations more engaging and interesting.
That concludes our guide on how to say ‘this weekend’ in Japanese and expand your vocabulary for describing weekends. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be able to confidently communicate your weekend plans in Japanese!
FAQ
Q: What is the Japanese translation for ‘this weekend’?
A: The Japanese translation for ‘this weekend’ is “konshū no shūmatsu”.
Q: How do I pronounce “konshū no shūmatsu”?
A: Pronounce it as “kohn-shoo noh shoo-maht-su”.
Q: Are there any cultural nuances or variations associated with expressing ‘this weekend’ in Japanese?
A: While the phrase “konshū no shūmatsu” is commonly used, it’s also common to refer to the upcoming weekend as “korekara no shūmatsu” or “kondo no shūmatsu”. It’s always a good idea to be aware of any regional or situational variations.
Q: Are there alternative ways to refer to ‘this weekend’ in Japanese?
A: Yes, there are alternative expressions that can be used interchangeably with “konshū no shūmatsu”. Some examples include “shūmatsu no koto” or “shūmatsu ni”.
Q: Can you provide practical examples of using ‘this weekend’ in conversations?
A: Sure! Here are a few examples:
– Ashita, watashi wa eiga ni iku tsumori desu. (Tomorrow, I plan to go to the movies.)
– Konshū no shūmatsu, ryokō ni ikimasu ka? (Are you going on a trip this weekend?)
– Toshokan de benkyō suru tsumori desu. (I’m planning to study at the library this weekend.)
Q: Are there any other words or phrases I should learn to describe weekends in Japanese?
A: Absolutely! Here are a few words and phrases to expand your vocabulary:
– Doyōbi (Saturday)
– Nichiyōbi (Sunday)
– Kyō wa doyōbi desu. (Today is Saturday.)
– Shūmatsu ni nani o suru tsumori desu ka? (What are you planning to do this weekend?)