一刻(いっこく)

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

Etymology

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.'

Usage

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