How to Say ‘When is it?’ in Japanese
いつですか。
itsu desu ka
[ee-tsoo dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: [いつですか。] is polite but vague by itself—usually add the topic: [次の検査はいつですか。] (“When is the next test?”).
🇯🇵 In Japan: If you need a clearer schedule, it’s okay to ask for exact timing: [何月何日ですか。] (“What date is it?”) and confirm in writing.
Phrase Breakdown
いつ
itsu
[ee-tsoo]
when
Used to ask about the timing of a test/appointment/results. Often paired with a topic like 次の検査は.
結果の説明はいつですか。
When will you explain the results?
ですか
desu ka
is it? (polite question ending)
です + か makes a polite question: “Is it…?/Are you…?”
予約は必要ですか。
Do I need an appointment?
Words in this phrase
です
desu
[dess]
is; are (polite)
Polite form used in questions: いつですか (“When is it?”).
次の予約はいつですか。
When is the next appointment?
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Makes the phrase a question. Useful for confirming schedules and follow-up plans.
次の検査はいつですか。
When is the next test?
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