英会話 feel English 25/2/13(木)Do you have the time?
Both “What time is it?” and “Do you have the time?” are used to ask for the current time, but they have slightly different nuances and levels of formality:
どちらも現在時刻を尋ねるのに使われるが、微妙にニュアンスや形式が異なる
1. What time is it?
Direct and straightforward: 直接的でストレート
This is the most direct and common way to ask for the time. It’s suitable for most situations, from casual interactions to more formal ones.
Implies a need for the precise time: This question often implies that the speaker needs to know the exact time.
2. Do you have the time?
Polite and less direct: 丁寧で直接的ではない
This question is generally considered more polite and less direct than “What time is it?” It’s a slightly softer way of asking for the time.
Can imply a less urgent need: While it still asks for the time, it might suggest that the speaker isn’t in a great hurry or doesn’t necessarily need the exact minute. It can also be used when you don’t want to seem demanding.
More common in some regions/cultures: In some regions or cultures, “Do you have the time?” is the preferred way to ask for the time, even in casual settings.
Here’s a table summarizing the differences:
Question Directness Politeness Implied Urgency Common Usage
What time is it? Direct Neutral Often implies a need for the precise time Most situations
Do you have the time? Less direct More polite Can imply less urgency Some regions/cultures, polite situations
In short:
“What time is it?” is the more common and direct way to ask.
“Do you have the time?” is a more polite and slightly less direct option.
Which one should you use?
In most everyday situations, either question is perfectly acceptable. However, if you’re in a formal setting or want to be particularly polite, “Do you have the time?” might be a slightly better choice. In casual settings with friends or family, “What time is it?” is perfectly fine. Ultimately, the difference is subtle, and both questions will effectively get you the information you need.
ほとんどの日常的な場面では、どちらの質問でもまったく問題ありません。 しかし、フォーマルな場であったり、特に礼儀正しくありたい場合は、「Do you have the time? 」の方が少し良い選択かもしれません。 友人や家族とのカジュアルな場面では、「What time is it? 」でもまったく問題ありません。 結局のところ、この違いは微妙であり、どちらの質問も必要な情報を効果的に得ることができる。
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both [boʊθ] 両方
current time [ˈkʌrənt taɪm] 現在時刻
nuance [ˈnuːɑːns] ニュアンス
formality [fɔːrˈmælɪti] 形式、礼儀正しさ
direct [dəˈrekt], [daɪˈrekt] 直接的な
straightforward [ˌstreɪtˈfɔːrwərd] 単刀直入な、ストレートな
suitable [ˈsuːtəb(ə)l] 適した
interaction [ˌɪntəˈrækʃən] やり取り、交流
formal [ˈfɔːrməl] フォーマルな、正式な
precise [prɪˈsaɪs] 正確な
imply [ɪmˈplaɪ] ほのめかす、暗示する
urgent [ˈɜːrdʒənt] 緊急の、差し迫った
polite [pəˈlaɪt] 丁寧な
demanding [dɪˈmændɪŋ] 要求が多い、強く求める
region [ˈriːdʒən] 地域
culture [ˈkʌltʃər] 文化
preferred [prɪˈfɜːrd] 好まれる、優先される
acceptable [əkˈsɛptəb(ə)l] 受け入れられる、許容できる
subtle [ˈsʌtl] 微妙な
effectively [ɪˈfɛktɪvli] 効果的に
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