いつ

• Reading: いつ
• Romaji: itsu
• Pronunciation: /i.tsɯ/

Meaning

When; at what time; how soon. The interrogative word for time.

A fundamental question word for asking about time. Combines with particles and other words: いつから (since when), いつまで (until when), いつも (always), いつか (someday), いつでも (anytime). The kanji form 何時 is rarely used in modern writing. Extremely high frequency in daily conversation.

Examples

1. いつ日本に来ましたか。 When did you come to Japan?
2. 誕生日はいつですか。 When is your birthday?
3. いつがいいですか。 When would be good for you?

Usage Guide

Context: questions, scheduling, conversation

Tone: inquisitive

Origin & History

From classical Japanese いつ, one of the oldest interrogative pronouns. The kanji 何時 is ateji, literally meaning 'what time.' The word predates the kanji representation.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal