Pin down exactly when something happens

に after a time word pins down exactly when an action happens.

JLPTN5

time word + に (at / on)[time word] ni

at / on [specific time]

Example Sentence

おひるお昼noonにね

See you at lunch

Word Details →

Attach に to a specific time, such as a clock time, day, or part of the day, to say 'at' or 'on' that moment. に is used with times that have a fixed number or name; vague time words like 'today' or 'tomorrow' take no particle.

Tips and Common Traps

Hana· Key point

A quick rule: if the time word has a specific number or a name (Tuesday, 8 o'clock, January), add に. If it's a general word like 'today' or 'every day', leave it bare.

Maru· Common trap

Clock times and weekdays take に: はちじに, げつようびに. Words like きょう and あした stand without it.

Build the Sentence

JLPT N5

1 / 5

I sleep at 9 o'clock

Arrange the words in the correct Japanese order:

に

location / time

ねる寝る

sleep

くじ九時

9 o'clock

いつ ... ますか [verb / adjective] + とき