How to say "tonight" in Japanese

• 今晩こんばんJLPT N5approx.Common
  noun, adverbThe default word for 'tonight' or 'this evening' in ordinary speech and writing. Use it for plans and events happening this evening, as in invitations or announcements about tonight's dinner or meeting.
  今晩こんばんは少すこし熱ねつっぽいのです。↗

  I feel a bit feverish tonight.
• 今夜こんやJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, adverbAlso a plain, common way to say 'tonight' or 'this evening', largely interchangeable with 今晩. Suitable for everyday talk about what will happen tonight, including later-night events.
  今夜こんや、パーティーを開ひらきます。↗

  We're giving a party tonight.
• 今宵こよいCommon
  noun, adverbA poetical term for 'this evening; tonight'. It carries a literary, lyrical flavor, so it belongs in songs, poetry, and elevated prose rather than in everyday conversation about tonight's plans.
  今宵こよい、奈落ならくの王おうが復活ふっかつする。↗

  Tonight, the King of Hell returns.
• 当夜とうやCommon
  noun, adverbIts primary sense is 'that night', referring to a particular night under discussion; 'tonight' is a secondary gloss. It is seldom the word you want for plain 'tonight' — reach for 今晩 or 今夜 instead.
• 今夕こんせきCommon
  noun, adverbMeans 'this evening; tonight' with a formal, written-air nuance. It appears in polite notices, speeches, and formal correspondence; in casual conversation 今晩 or 今夜 is the natural choice.
  雨あめが降ふっているから、今夕こんゆうは早はやめに暗くらくなるでしょう。↗

  It will get dark earlier this evening, as it is raining.

For everyday 'tonight' use 今晩 or 今夜; 今宵 is poetical; 今夕 is a formal written variant; 当夜 usually means 'that night' and is rarely the word you want for 'tonight'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 今晩こんばんtonight
• 今夜こんやthis evening
• 今宵こよいthis evening
• 当夜とうやthat night
• 今夕こんせきthis evening
• トゥナイトtonight