時差

• Reading: じさ
• Romaji: jisa
• Kanji breakdown: 時 (ji) — time, hour; 差 (sa) — difference, gap, discrepancy
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.sa/

Meaning

Time difference. The difference in time between two locations in different time zones.

A noun referring to the difference in time between geographical regions due to time zones. Essential vocabulary for discussing international travel, communication, and business. Japan (JST, UTC+9) has significant time differences with many countries. Also appears in compounds like 時差出勤 (jisa shukkin, staggered commuting hours) and 時差ぼけ (jisaboke, jet lag).

Examples

1. 日本とイギリスの時差は九時間だ。 There is a nine-hour time difference between Japan and the UK.
2. 時差があるので電話する時間に気をつけている。 Because of the time difference, I'm careful about when I call.
3. 時差出勤を導入する企業が増えている。 More and more companies are adopting staggered commuting hours.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, international business, communication

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 時 (ji, time/hour) + 差 (sa, difference). Literally 'time difference' — the gap in clock time between places.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal