How to Say ‘It's about one hour.’ in Japanese
一時間ぐらいです。
ichi jikan gurai desu
[eechi jee-KAHN goo-RAI dess]
💬 Usage Tip: ぐらい after a number means "about": 三十分ぐらい (sanjuppun gurai) "about thirty minutes".
Phrase Breakdown
一
ichi
[eechi]
one
A Japanese character meaning the number one.
一つお願いします。
One, please.
時間
jikan
[jee-KAHN]
hour(s)
After a number, 時間 counts hours of duration.
二時間待ちました。
I waited two hours.
ぐらい
gurai
[goo-RAI]
about; approximately
Placed after a number or amount to show it is an estimate; a variant of くらい.
十分ぐらい待ちました。
I waited about ten minutes.
です
desu
[dess]
is; am; are
A basic polite copula used to say 'is/am/are.'
田中です。
I am Tanaka.
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 feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
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 made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“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