日記

にっき

diary, journal

JLPT N4

Character Breakdown

What is 日記?

日記 (にっき) means "diary" or "journal." It is a personal record where people write about their daily experiences, thoughts, or feelings.

Usage and Context

日記 is commonly used to describe a written daily record. People often write 日記 to reflect on their day or keep memories. It is usually informal and personal, not for official or business use.

Common Collocations

  • 日記を書く (にっきをかく): to write a diary
  • 日記をつける (にっきをつける): to keep a diary
  • 毎日日記 (まいにちにっき): daily diary

Register and Politeness

日記 is a neutral word, suitable for everyday conversation and writing. It is not formal or honorific.

Learner Tips

A common mistake is confusing 日記 with 記録 (きろく), which means "record" but is more formal and used for official or factual documentation. 日記 is more personal and emotional.

Example Sentences

まいばんねるまえににっきをかいています。

I write in my diary every night before going to bed.

りょこうのにっきをつけると、おもいでがよくのこります。

Keeping a travel diary helps preserve memories well.

こどものころ、まいにちにっきをつけるのがしゅうかんでした。

When I was a child, it was a habit to keep a diary every day.