Understanding the days of the week is fundamental when learning Japanese. Today we will look at (kinyoubi)「金曜日(きんようび)」, or "Friday", a word that is always welcome after a long and tiring week.

「やっと　金曜日(きんようび)　だ！」

"It's finally Friday!"

Each day of the week in Japanese carries a unique charm, reflected in the meanings of their first kanji. These kanji often represent natural elements or celestial bodies, adding a deeper cultural significance to the days and also providing keys to better remembering them.

「金曜日(きんようび)」, "Friday," is the day associated with 金 (gold), and the celestial body Friday is from is Venus 「金星(きんせい)」(kinsei).

Sun

Moon

Mars

Mercury

Jupiter

Venus

Saturn

For a deeper dive into the meanings behind the days of the week, click here.

The term 曜日(ようび) (youbi) means "day of the week" and is used for all days. When combined with 金(きん) (kin), you get Friday!

今日(きょう)は　金曜日(きんようび)　です！

Today is Friday!

金曜日(きんようび)の　夜(よる)に　映画(えいが)を　見(み)ましょう。

Let’s watch a movie on Friday night.

金曜日(きんようび)は　友達(ともだち)と　公園(こうえん)に　行(い)きます。

On Fridays, I go to the park with my friends.

Friday the 13th

In Japan, Friday the 13th, 「13日の　金曜日」 (13-nichi no kinyoubi) is considered an "unlucky day", just like in the West. Younger people may joke about. It's more of a fun superstition for them too, especially with horror movie fans. Older generations may not quite understand the reference.

「今日(きょう)は　13日の　金曜日(きんようび)、不吉(ふきつ)　だね」

"Today’s Friday the 13th, spooky, huh?"

「花金」(hanakin)

In Japanese there is a commonly used word 「花金(はなきん)」 which means "Happy Friday!".

今日(きょう)　花金(はなきん)だから　飲(のみ)に　行(い)こう！」

"Since it's Friday, let's grab a drink!"