How to Say ‘Five minutes’ in Japanese
5分
5 pun
[go fun]
💬 Usage Tip: [分] changes pronunciation with numbers. [5分] is read [ごふん], not [ごぷん]. Very useful when asking how long it takes to the nearest station.
🇯🇵 In Japan: In Japan, time estimates for walking are often given very casually and efficiently. If someone says [5分], they usually mean it is quite close.
Phrase Breakdown
5
5
[go]
five
The number 5. In time expressions, it combines with counters like 分 to mean five units.
5分です。
It is five minutes.
分
pun
[fun]
minutes
A counter for minutes. After 5, 分 is read as ふん, making 5分 = ごふん.
駅まで5分です。
It is five minutes to the station.
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