ラジオ英会話 24/11/21(木) Time flies.

ラジオ英会話 24/11/21(木) Time flies.
Meaning:
The phrase “time flies” means that time seems to pass very quickly, often when you’re enjoying yourself, busy, or reflecting on how quickly an event or moment has passed.
Time flies. という言葉は、時間があっという間に過ぎてしまうことを意味し、多くの場合、楽しんでいるとき、忙しいとき、ある出来事や瞬間がいかに早く過ぎてしまったかを振り返っているときに使われる。

Context of Use:
Used to express surprise at how quickly time has passed.
Can be said in both positive and reflective tones, depending on the situation.
Examples:
Casual Conversation:
“Wow, it’s already been five years since we graduated! Time flies!”

Reflective or Nostalgic:
“I can’t believe my kids are already in high school. Time flies.”

In a Fun Situation:
“That concert was amazing! Time flies when you’re having fun.”

Origins:
The phrase originates from the Latin expression “Tempus fugit”, meaning “time flees,” which appeared in ancient Roman literature and was later popularized by English writers in the 18th century.
Related Phrases:
“Time flies when you’re having fun.”

Full version of the idiom, suggesting that enjoyable moments make time feel shorter.
Example:
“We spent the whole day at the amusement park—it was so fun! Time flies when you’re having fun.”
“Where did the time go?”

Expresses surprise at how quickly time has passed.
Example:
“It’s already December? Where did the time go?”
“Blink, and you’ll miss it.”

Highlights how fleeting time or a moment can be.
Example:
“That sunset was gorgeous, but it was so quick—blink, and you’ll miss it.”
“The days are long, but the years are short.”

Reflects on how slow moments feel day-to-day, but in retrospect, time seems to pass quickly.
Example:
“Watching my children grow up reminds me that the days are long, but the years are short.”
Tone:
Generally neutral to positive, depending on context, and often carries a reflective or nostalgic feeling.

–
time flies /taɪm flaɪz/ 時間があっという間に過ぎる
Tempus fugit /ˈtɛmpəs ˈfjuːdʒɪt/ 時間は飛び去る（ラテン語）
Time flies when you’re having fun /taɪm flaɪz wɛn jʊər ˈhævɪŋ fʌn/ 楽しい時は時間が早く過ぎる
Where did the time go? /wɛr dɪd ðə taɪm ɡoʊ/ 時間がどこに行ったの？（いつの間にこんなに時間が過ぎたの？）
Blink, and you’ll miss it /blɪŋk ənd juːl ˈmɪs ɪt/ 一瞬で見逃す（時間や瞬間があまりに短いことを強調）
The days are long, but the years are short /ðə deɪz ɑːr lɔːŋ bət ðə jɪrz ɑːr ʃɔːrt/ 一日は長いが、年は短い（時間の経過を振り返ると速く感じる）
例文と解説
Time flies

“It’s already November—time flies!”
（もう11月だなんて、時間が経つのが早い！）
Tempus fugit

“As the ancient Romans said, ‘Tempus fugit.'”
（古代ローマ人の言う通り、時間は飛び去るものです。）
Time flies when you’re having fun

“That party was amazing! Time flies when you’re having fun.”
（あのパーティーは最高だった！楽しい時は時間が過ぎるのが早いね。）
Where did the time go?

“It’s already midnight? Where did the time go?”
（もう夜中？いつの間にこんなに時間が過ぎたの？）
Blink, and you’ll miss it

“The fireworks were so quick—blink, and you’ll miss it.”
（花火がすごく速かったよ。一瞬で見逃しちゃう。）
The days are long, but the years are short

“Raising kids is tough, but looking back, the years are short.”
（子育ては大変だけど、振り返るとあっという間だね。）
これらのフレーズは、時間の速さや儚さを表現する際に、さまざまな感情や状況に合わせて使用できます。

Follow me!