1.
a moment, a while, a brief time
A relatively short period of time, often one that is pleasant or memorable. Has a somewhat literary or poetic feel.
幸せなひとときだった。
It was a happy moment.
The kanji form is 一時, but hiragana is more common in this meaning.
Usage
ひととき has a warm, somewhat poetic connotation. It is often used for pleasant, treasured moments of time rather than neutral time references.
Common collocations
- 楽しいひととき: an enjoyable moment
- 安らぎのひととき: a moment of peace
- ひとときの休息: a brief rest
- ひとときも目が離せない: can't take one's eyes off for even a moment