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How to Say ‘For (a duration)’ in Japanese

kan

[kan]

💬 Usage Tip: [間] attaches to a time word: [二年間] “for two years,” [三週間] “for three weeks.”

🇯🇵 In Japan: Duration words are frequently used in resumes and interviews in Japan—simple and factual is best.

Phrase Breakdown

kan

[kan]

interval; period of time (suffix)

Used after a duration to mean 'for (a period of) ~' (e.g., 二年間 = for two years). In job interviews, it helps specify how long you worked.

Example

老人ホームで二年間働きました。

I worked at a nursing home for two years.

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