How to Say ‘How long is the time?’ in Japanese
時間はどのくらいですか。
jikan wa dono kurai desu ka
[jee-kahn wah doh-noh koo-RAI dess ka]
Phrase Breakdown
時間は
jikan wa
the time / as for the time
'時間' (jikan) means 'time', and 'は' (wa) marks the topic. Say 'ji-kan wa'.
時間はありますか。
Do you have time?
Words in this phrase
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.
は
wa
[wah]
topic marker; as for
Marks 'today' as the topic. Written は but pronounced 'wa.'
本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for giving me your time today.
どのくらいですか。
dono kurai desu ka
about how long is it?
'どのくらい' (dono kurai) means 'how much / how long'. Say 'do-no-ku-rai dess ka'.
駅まではどのくらいですか。
How far is it to the station?
Words in this phrase
どの
dono
[doh-noh]
which
Used before a noun to ask which one among several choices.
どの席がいいですか。
Which seat is good?
くらい
kurai
[koo-RAI]
about; extent
Indicates approximate amount; with どの it asks 'how much/how long'.
駅までどのくらいかかりますか。
How long does it take to the station?
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
か
ka
[ka]
question particle
Used to create a yes/no question in informal speech.
行くか？
Shall we go?
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