We’re running out of time.：”jikan ga nakunatte kima shita” Japanese Phrase #298

Yuka

In meetings, classes, or timed events, you’ll often hear 時間がなくなってきました. Let’s break it down!

Breaking Down the Phrase

• 時間 (jikan) — time
• が — subject marker
• なくなって (nakunatte) — te-form of なくなる (to run out)
• きました (kimashita) — polite past of くる, indicating a gradual change coming toward now

Together: “Time has been running out (and we’re at that point now).”

Using This Phrase

• 時間がなくなってきましたので、まとめに入ります。 — We’re running out of time, so let’s move to the summary.
• そろそろ時間がなくなってきました。 — Time is starting to run out.
• 時間がなくなってきたので、急ぎましょう。 — Time is running short, so let’s hurry.

Rei

What’s a shorter casual version?

Yuka

Just say 時間がない！ (jikan ga nai) — “There’s no time!” Or やばい、時間ない！ in very casual speech.

Related Time Expressions

Quick Quiz

How do you announce “Time’s up” at the end of a test?

Answer: 時間切れです。ペンを置いてください。

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