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How to Say ‘I always keep to time.’ in Japanese

時間を必ず守ります。

jikan o kanarazu mamori masu

[jee-kahn wo kah-nah-RAH-zoo mah-MOH-ree mahs]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Punctuality is a genuinely valued trait in Japanese workplaces, where arriving even a few minutes late is noticed. That makes this a convincing example to give.

Phrase Breakdown

時間を

jikan o

time (object)

時間 (time) plus the object particle を.

Example

時間を教えてください。

Please tell me the time.

Words in this phrase

時間

jikan

[jee-kahn]

time

Refers to time or someone's availability; often used politely in business contexts.

Example

少しお時間をいただきたいです。

I would like to ask for a little of your time.

を

[wo]

direct object marker

Marks the direct object of a verb.

Example

本を読む。

Read a book.

必ず守ります。

kanarazu mamori masu

I always keep (it)

必ず means "without fail" and comes before the verb 守ります.

Example

約束を必ず守ります。

I always keep my promises.

Words in this phrase

必ず

kanarazu

[kah-nah-RAH-zoo]

always; without fail

Adverb meaning certainly, surely, without exception.

Example

必ず連絡します。

I will contact you without fail.

守り

mamori

[mah-MOH-ree]

keep; protect; obey

Stem of 守る; to keep a promise or rule, or to protect.

Example

約束を守ります。

I keep promises.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite present/future ending

ます makes a verb polite in present or future statements.

Example

予約します。

I will make a reservation.

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