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How to Say ‘It's taking time.’ in Japanese

時間がかかっています。

jikan ga kakatsu te i masu

[jee-kahn ga kah-KAHT teh ee mahs]

💬 Usage Tip: 時間がかかる is the set way to say something takes time; mark what's taking the time with に: 準備に時間がかかっています "Preparation is taking time."

Phrase Breakdown

時間が

jikan ga

time (subject)

Jikan ga. 時間 means 'time'. が marks it as the subject.

Example

時間がありません。

There is no 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.

が

[ga]

subject marker

A particle marking the subject of the sentence.

Example

興味がある分野を教えてください。

Please tell me the field you are interested in.

かかっています。

kakatsu te i masu

is taking (time)

Kakatte imasu. The small っ is a short pause before 'te'.

Example

準備にお金がかかっています。

The preparation is costing money.

Words in this phrase

かかっ

kakatsu

[kah-KAHT]

take (time or cost)

Te-form stem of かかる, to take time or money.

Example

駅まで十分かかります。

It takes ten minutes to the station.

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

い

[ee]

be; ongoing state part

Part of the continuous form that shows an action is currently happening.

Example

今も条件を比べている最中です。

I am still in the middle of comparing conditions.

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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