目覚まし・目覚し・目ざまし|めざましmezamashi[2]nakadaka (mid-high)

JLPT N2approx.Common
Which spelling to use
目覚まし目覚まし is the most common written form. It is the best choice for learners when writing the word.
目覚し目覚し is a less common written variant of 目覚まし. You may encounter it, but choose 目覚まし for learner use.
目ざまし目ざまし is less common than 目覚まし and 目覚し. It is a possible written variant, but learners should normally choose 目覚まし.
Definitions
  1. nounalarm clock
    目覚めざましは5時じ30分ふんに鳴なった。↗
    The alarm went off at five-thirty.
  2. nounwaking up; keeping oneself awake
  3. nounearly-morning treat (traditionally given to children in some parts of Japan); wake-up sweet
Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym目覚まし時計めざましどけいNeutralThe full name for the clock itself. 「目覚まし」 is its colloquial short form, and unlike this word it can also refer to things that keep you awake.
  • RelatedアラームNeutralA loanword for a phone alarm or an alarm/alert device. 「目覚まし」 is the clock that wakes you up, and can also mean something that keeps you awake.
  • RelatedアラームクロックNeutralA loanword for an alarm clock, though rarely used; in everyday speech 「目覚まし時計」 is the usual term.

For an alarm clock, everyday speech uses 「目覚まし」, with 「目覚まし時計」 as the full name. Use 「アラーム」 for a phone alarm or an alert device. Remember 「目覚まし」 can also mean something that keeps you awake.

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

Japanese definitions
  1. 目覚まし時計めざましどけい。
  2. 眠気ねむけを和やわらげるためにすること。また、それに使用しようする事物じぶつ。
Kanji in this word

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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