How to Say ‘Since when?’ in Japanese
いつからですか。
itsu kara desu ka
[EE-tsoo kara dess ka]
💬 Usage Tip: から means "from" or "since" and goes after the time word. The answer uses the same pattern: put a time before からです.
Phrase Breakdown
いつから
itsu kara
since when
いつ (itsu) means 'when' and から (kara) means 'from' or 'since'. Pronounce 'tsu' as one quick sound.
いつから日本にいますか。
Since when have you been in Japan?
Words in this phrase
いつ
itsu
[EE-tsoo]
when
A question word that asks about time: 'when?'
荷物はいつ届きますか。
When will the luggage arrive?
から
kara
[kara]
from
Shows the starting point in a range, such as from row 1.
一列目から五列目まで売り切れです。
From the first row to the fifth row is sold out.
ですか。
desu ka
is it? (polite question ending)
A polite question ending. Say it as 'des-ka', with the 'u' almost silent, and let your voice rise slightly at the end.
学生ですか。
Are you a student?
Words in this phrase
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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