Ask when something happens

いつ asks when something happens.

JLPTN5

いつ ... ますかitsu ~ masu ka

When does [action] happen?

Example Sentence

いつwhen にほん日本Japan にいく行く？go

When are you going to Japan?

Word Details →

Use いつ to ask about the time of an event. Unlike specific time words, いつ does not take the time particle に, so you ask いつ directly. It can stand near the start of the question and works with both plain and polite verbs.

Tips and Common Traps

Hana· Key point

いつ covers every kind of 'when' — scheduled events, plans, or just wondering when a friend is free. Versatile and simple.

Maru· Common trap

Never add に after いつ. Specific time words like 三時さんじ (three o'clock) take に, but いつ does not.

Build the Sentence

JLPT N5

1 / 5

what is this?

Arrange the words in the correct Japanese order:

は

what it's about · said "wa"

これ

this

ですか

is it? (question)

なん

what

time word + に (at / on)[verb / adjective] + とき