🧪⏳

How to Say ‘Testing is taking time.’ in Japanese

テストに時間がかかっています。

tesuto ni jikan ga kakatsu te i masu

[TEH-su-toh nee jee-kahn ga kah-KAHT teh ee mahs]

Phrase Breakdown

テストに

tesuto ni

for the testing

Tesuto ni. The 'u' in 'su' is almost silent. に marks what the time goes to.

Example

テストに合格しました。

I passed the test.

Words in this phrase

テスト

tesuto

[TEH-su-toh]

test

A school exam or quiz; loanword from English.

Example

明日は数学のテストです。

Tomorrow is the math test.

に

[nee]

for; on

Marks the thing on which time or effort is spent.

Example

準備に一週間使った。

I spent a week on preparation.

時間が

jikan ga

time (subject)

Jikan ga. This is the subject of かかる (to take time).

Example

時間が足りません。

There is not enough 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

Kakatte imasu. Hold the small っ pause, then say 'te imasu'.

Example

修理に時間がかかっています。

The repair is taking time.

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.

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 Lesson

What 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