Japanese · Numbers & Time
昨日
kinou
Yesterday
Beginnernoun
Definition
Refers to the day before today. Also read as さくじつ (sakujitsu) in formal or written Japanese.
Example
昨日、映画を見ました。
I watched a movie yesterday.
Etymology
'昨日' (kinou) is formed from the characters for 'yesterday' and has been established in Japanese vocabulary since early historical texts, representing the day before today.
How & Where It’s Used
'昨日' (kinou) is widely used in both spoken and written forms, suitable for formal settings, daily conversation, and narration.