How to Say ‘I'm punctual’ in Japanese
時間を守ります
jikan o mamori masu
[jee-kahn wo mah-MOH-ree mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: 守ります literally means "protect" or "keep". It pairs with rules and promises too: 約束を守ります "I keep promises".
Phrase Breakdown
時間
jikan
[jee-kahn]
time
Refers to time or someone's availability; often used politely in business contexts.
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
o
[wo]
direct object marker
Marks the direct object of a verb.
本を読む。
Read a book.
守り
mamori
[mah-MOH-ree]
keep; protect; observe
Stem of the verb mamoru, meaning to keep or obey a rule, promise, or time, or to protect something.
約束を守ります。
I keep my promises.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite present/future ending
ます makes a verb polite in present or future statements.
予約します。
I will make a reservation.
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