一刻(いっこく)

いっこく
noun
a moment, an instant
1. a moment, an instant
A brief period of time; used especially in expressions emphasizing urgency.
一刻(いっこく)も早(はや)く行(い)きたい。
I want to go as soon as possible.
一刻(いっこく)を争(あらそ)う事態(じたい)だ。
It's an urgent situation where every moment counts.
一刻(いっこく)も無駄(むだ)にできない。
We can't waste even a moment.

一刻(いっこく) refers to a moment or instant of time. It is primarily used in fixed expressions emphasizing urgency.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 一刻(いっこく)も早(はや)く: as soon as possible, without delay
  • 一刻(いっこく)を争(あらそ)う: every moment counts (urgent)
  • 一刻(いっこく)も無駄(むだ)にしない: not waste a single moment
  • 一刻(いっこく)の猶予(ゆうよ)もない: no time to delay

HISTORICAL NOTE:
In ancient Japan, 一刻(いっこく) referred to a unit of time equal to about 2 hours (1/12 of a day). Today it is only used figuratively to mean 'a moment.'

NOTE:
This word is generally used in formal or literary contexts, often in emergency or urgent situations.

general
Added 2026.1.29 12:41
08500/08924_ikkoku