Meaning and Usage
"時計" (とけい) primarily means "clock" or "watch" in Japanese. It refers to devices used to measure and display time, including wristwatches, wall clocks, and other timekeeping instruments.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "時計" when talking about checking the time, buying a watch, or describing how a clock works. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 時計を買う (とけいをかう): to buy a watch
- 時計を見る (とけいをみる): to look at the clock/watch
- 時計が動く (とけいがうごく): the clock/watch runs or works
These phrases are very common and useful for daily conversations about time.
Register and Politeness
"時計" is a neutral noun and can be used in both casual and formal contexts without change.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "時計" with "時刻" (じこく), which means "time" or "hour" in a more abstract sense. Remember, "時計" is the physical device, while "時刻" refers to the time itself.