How to Say ‘What time does it start?’ in Japanese
何時に始まりますか。
nan ji ni hajimari masu ka
[nan jee nee hah-jee-mah-ree mahs kah]
💬 Usage Tip: With time words, [に] marks when something happens: [何時に始まりますか] = "at what time does it start?" You can swap in a real time too, like [七時に始まります].
Phrase Breakdown
何
nan
[nan]
what
何 means what; in 何時 it helps ask 'what time'.
何時に始まりますか。
What time does it start?
時
ji
[jee]
time / hour
時 means time or o'clock; with 何 it becomes 'what time'.
何時に始まりますか。
What time does it start?
に
ni
[nee]
at
に marks a specific time when something happens.
何時に始まりますか。
What time does it start?
始まり
hajimari
[hah-jee-mah-ree]
begin
始まり is the stem of 始まる, meaning to begin or start.
何時に始まりますか。
What time does it start?
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
ます makes the verb polite.
何時に始まりますか。
What time does it start?
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
か turns the sentence into a question.
何時に始まりますか。
What time does it start?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager