# 頃: around; about > Learn how to use 頃, a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar point meaning around; about, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N4 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n4-koro-goro/ **頃** means **around; about**. It is a **JLPT N4** Japanese grammar pattern used to refer to an approximate time or period. This grammar point often appears in conversation, written explanations, formal notices, and JLPT-style reading questions. If you want to refer to an approximate time or period, **頃** is a useful pattern to learn after the N5 basics. ## What does 頃 mean? Use **頃** when you want to refer to an approximate time or period. Natural translations include: - around - about - when The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on what the grammar point does in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural. ## How to form 頃

Time expression + ごろ

Noun + の + 頃

Examples of the pattern: - 三さん時じごろ - 子どもの頃ころ - 学生がくせいの頃ころ Pay attention to the word form before the pattern. Many JLPT N4 mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form. ## When is 頃 used? Use **頃** in situations like: - explaining a condition, reason, decision, or time relationship - making a sentence more specific than a basic N5 pattern - understanding natural Japanese in conversation or reading Tone and register: - neutral unless the grammar itself is marked as casual, humble, honorific, or formal - Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and JLPT N4 reading questions ## 頃 example sentences

三さん時じごろ会あいましょう。

Let’s meet around three.

Time

子どもの頃ころ、よく公園こうえんで遊あそびました。

When I was a child, I often played at the park.

Period

学生がくせいの頃ころ、日本語にほんごを勉強べんきょうしました。

When I was a student, I studied Japanese.

Period

春はるごろ、日本にほんへ行いきます。

I will go to Japan around spring.

Season

夕方ゆうがたごろ、電話でんわします。

I will call around evening.

Time

Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: condition, timing, limitation, possibility, decision, politeness, or emphasis. ## Nuance of 頃 The key nuance is **marks approximate time or period**. This matters because **頃** may look simple in English, but the Japanese form tells you whether the speaker is describing a time, a condition, a decision, a possibility, or a social relationship. For example: - In context, **頃** helps make the sentence more precise than a direct English translation. - Compared with **ぐらい**, it has a different focus even when both patterns appear in similar sentences. ## 頃 vs ぐらい Both **頃** and **ぐらい** can appear in related sentences, but they are different.

頃

around; about; when

Marks approximate points or periods in time.

ぐらい

about; approximately

Marks approximate degree, amount, or extent.

**頃**: - is the target JLPT N4 pattern in this lesson - carries the specific nuance explained above **ぐらい**: - is useful for comparison because learners often mix it up - may use a different form, tone, or sentence focus Quick contrast examples: - Target pattern: 三さん時じごろ会あいましょう。 — Let’s meet around three. - Related pattern with **ぐらい**: compare the form and ask whether the sentence is about timing, condition, ability, decision, or politeness. If you are unsure which one to use, identify the main job of the sentence before translating it into English. ## Common mistakes with 頃

❌

Using it with the wrong verb, noun, or adjective form.

✅

Attach ごろ to a time expression, or の頃 to a noun that marks a life stage or period.

❌

Confusing it with ぐらい because the English translation can look similar.

✅

Use 頃 for approximate time or period; use ぐらい for approximate degree, amount, or extent.

❌

Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence context.

✅

Identify the main job of the sentence before choosing the grammar.

A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel. ## Is 頃 on the JLPT?

Yes. 頃 is commonly taught as JLPT N4 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

recognize it in reading
understand its nuance in context
use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.

## Practice questions for 頃

1 Write one sentence using the basic pattern. Formation

2 Change the sentence into polite or casual style if possible. Register

3 Compare it with the related pattern from the comparison section. Comparison

Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic. ## Learning path for 頃

1 Use 頃 as part of your JLPT N4 time and sequence grammar toolkit. Start by checking the time relationship: whether the event is continuing, finishing, about to happen, or must happen before a deadline.

2 Make one short sentence with 頃, then compare it with 間に to see how event timing differs.

3 Add 後で or までに to see how the nuance changes.

4 Write one sentence that uses 頃 in its most literal meaning, one sentence that changes the subject or time expression, and one sentence that contrasts it with one of the related patterns below.

## Related grammar to review next - [間に](/blog/n4-aida-ni/) — keeps you in the same time/sequence family so you can compare event timing. - [後で](/blog/n4-ato-de/) — keeps you in the same time/sequence family so you can compare event timing. - [までに](/blog/n4-made-ni/) — keeps you in the same time/sequence family so you can compare event timing. - [さっき](/blog/n4-sakki/) — keeps you in the same time/sequence family so you can compare event timing. ## Learn 頃 with Hane If you want to review **頃** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N4 grammar lessons](/blog/n4/)