Today, let's think about how to read "tomorrow" in different situations.
① Everything is OK!
②What is the difference between tomorrow, tomorrow, and myonichi?
③Let's talk tomorrow
④Let's talk tomorrow
⑤Use myonichi too
① Everything is OK!
How should we read tomorrow?
The correct answer is that all of them are correct readings .
■ I have the day off tomorrow, so I think I'll sleep until noon.
■We have an important customer coming tomorrow .
■We have received a reservation for tomorrow at 3pm.
The three examples above are all good Japanese.
However, there are some slightly different nuances .
②What is the difference between tomorrow, tomorrow, and myonichi?
"Tomorrow..."
"Tomorrow..."
"Tomorrow..."
Consider the nuances of each word.
[1] The most basic way to say it is "tomorrow."
■ I have the day off tomorrow, so I think I'll sleep until noon.
[Where are they talking?]
A: Is it your own house ?
[Who are you talking to?]
A: Family or roommates ?
[2] "Asu" is a useful word to use when speaking with a bit of formality.
■We have an important customer coming tomorrow .
[Where are they talking?]
A: A company or a store ?
[Who are you talking to?]
A: I think they talk to their employees or their teammates .
[3] Be especially formal! A cool way to speak is to use the polite expression "myounichi."
■We have received a reservation for tomorrow at 3pm.
[Where are they talking?]
A: Reception or telephone ?
[Who are you talking to?]
A: I can imagine a scene where you are talking to a customer .
③Let's talk tomorrow
■ I have the day off tomorrow, so I think I'll sleep until noon.
↑As in this example, it's a good idea to remember that "when speaking normally (in a normal, relaxed situation), you would normally say 'ashita' (tomorrow)."
Look at a few scenes and try to imagine the nuances of the words.
[Example conversation]
1) Is this a school? It sounds like children are talking.
A: All the tests will be over tomorrow !
B: Yeah, it's been a long week! Club activities start again tomorrow .
2) Is this a scene from the platform?
A: Hey, can you wake me up at 6:30 tomorrow morning?
B: What?! Why so fast? It's impossible.
3) I can imagine the office at night.
A: Then let's continue this work tomorrow and go home.
B: That's right. It's already past 9 o'clock. There's always a lot to do at the end of the month... Thank you for your hard work!
4) It's a very warm and pleasant atmosphere.
A: Well then, see you tomorrow !
B: Yeah, see you tomorrow !
④Let's talk tomorrow
■We have an important customer coming tomorrow.
↑As in this example, this is when you are feeling a little nervous or when you are talking formally. Remember, "When speaking formally, it is good to say 'tomorrow'."
[Example conversation]
1) It looks like a scene of a family at home.
A: I've decided to go visit my aunt tomorrow .
B: Yes, if you're going to the hospital, you should definitely bring a mask with you.
2) It seems like the teacher is talking in the classroom.
A: Tomorrow we will each be giving a speech, so please make sure you write your homework carefully and come prepared.
B: Yes!
3) A company scene.
A: Excuse me, manager. Could I have tomorrow off ?
B: That's fine, but did something happen?
4) Relaxing in front of the TV.
A: [Caster →] Tomorrow will be a nice day with temperatures expected to rise to August levels.
B: Wow, it's so hot again. They say global warming is real.
⑤Use myonichi too
■We have received a reservation for tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.
↑As in this example, use this phrase when you want to send a "click" to the listener. It might be easier to understand if you imagine it as " speaking coolly like a concierge, saying 'myōnichi' ." It's polite and precise Japanese.
[Example conversation]
1) Is it a school classroom?
A: Applications will be accepted from 9:00 a.m. tomorrow , so if you are interested, please do not forget to submit your documents.
B: Yes!
2) It could be a reception at a fancy restaurant.
A: Well, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
B: Yes, all our staff look forward to seeing you tomorrow at 6 o'clock.
3) Department stores are always fun and I always end up buying too much!
A: Everyone, the pop-up store will close tomorrow . Let's do our best for one more day and aim to sell out!
B: Yes! I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. (←※Staff member's energetic response)
4) The tension in the conversation on the phone is palpable.
A: (On the phone) Well, it's getting late so I'll hang up, but I'll see you tomorrow.
B: Yes, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to visit and say hello to the chairman tomorrow !
*Words that are made up of the on-readings of the kanji characters "myo" (tomorrow) and "nichi" (day) have a very specific, formal feel to them. Even in conversations, try to think about "where," "who is speaking to whom," "what content," and "what situation" you're speaking in, and choose the appropriate words and ways of speaking.
Today, I've been thinking about how to use each of the three readings of the word "tomorrow" (tomorrow). It's fascinating to discover the many different nuances that can be found in a word with just two characters.
That's all for today's blog post.
I believe that becoming fluent in Japanese starts with consistent daily study.
Let's work hard to achieve ``one step ahead in beautiful Japanese'' that we will surely be able to speak tomorrow!
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