Yuka今日、本日、当日 — three words for “today” but used in very different contexts. Master these and your Japanese formality level will jump up significantly!
Rei今日 (kyou) is everyday casual “today.” 本日 (honjitsu) is formal / honorific “today” — used in speeches and written communication. 当日 (toujitsu) means “the day of the event” — on the actual day.
| 今日 (kyou) | 本日 (honjitsu) | 当日 (toujitsu) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Today | Today (formal/honorific) | On that day / the day of (the event) |
| Register | Everyday, casual to neutral | Formal, written, ceremonious | Neutral to formal |
| Example | 今日は何をしますか? | 本日はお越しいただきありがとうございます。 | 当日は9時に集合してください。 |
今日 — Everyday Today
今日 (kyou) is the standard everyday word for “today.” It can also be read as “konnichi” in some compounds (こんにちは). It is used in all casual and semi-formal contexts.
- 今日は何する?— What are you doing today?
- 今日は疲れた。— I’m tired today.
- 今日中にやる。— I’ll do it by end of today.
本日 — Formal Today
本日 (honjitsu) is the formal, honorific version of “today.” You’ll hear it in public announcements, speeches, business openings, formal emails, and ceremonious contexts.
- 本日はお越しいただきありがとうございます。— Thank you for coming today. (formal speech opening)
- 本日をもって閉店いたします。— We will close as of today. (formal announcement)
- 本日の議題は〜です。— Today’s agenda is… (business meeting)
当日 — The Day Of
当日 (toujitsu) means “on that day” — specifically the day an event takes place. It is used when talking about the day of a scheduled event, ceremony, or appointment in advance.
- 当日は9時に集合してください。— Please gather at 9am on the day.
- 当日券は販売しておりません。— Same-day tickets are not sold.
- 当日のスケジュールを確認してください。— Please check the schedule for the day.
- 当日キャンセルはご遠慮ください。— Please refrain from same-day cancellations.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
English uses “today” for all three. The key distinctions: use 今日 in conversation, 本日 in formal/written contexts, and 当日 when referring to a specific upcoming or referenced event day (“on the day”). Don’t use 本日 in casual conversation — it will sound stiff.
Quick Quiz
Which word would you use in a formal business email opening: “___ はお忙しいところご連絡申し上げます”?
Answer: 本日 — 本日はお忙しいところご連絡申し上げます。
Practice with a Tutor
Mastering formal and casual Japanese registers is key to sounding natural. A native tutor will make this second nature.
📖 Want to take your Japanese further? Practice speaking with a professional Japanese tutor on italki — affordable 1-on-1 online lessons at your own pace.
Related Articles
