当時

• Reading: とうじ
• Romaji: touji
• Kanji breakdown: 当 (tou) — this, hit, right; 時 (ji) — time
• Pronunciation: /to.ɯ.d͡ʑi/

Meaning

At that time; in those days. Refers to a specific period in the past being discussed.

A noun and adverb used to refer back to a previously mentioned time period. Equivalent to そのころ (sono koro) but slightly more formal. Common in narratives, memoirs, and historical discussions: 当時の日本 (Japan at that time), 当時はまだ子供だった (I was still a child back then). Often appears at the start of a sentence to set the temporal context.

Examples

1. 当時はまだインターネットがなかった。 Back then, the internet didn't exist yet.
2. 当時の写真を見ると懐かしい気持ちになる。 Looking at photos from that time makes me feel nostalgic.
3. 私は当時大学生で毎日アルバイトをしていた。 At that time, I was a college student and worked part-time every day.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, history, memoir

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

Compound of 当 (tou, this/that) and 時 (ji, time). Together, 'that time' — pointing to a specific moment in the past.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal