This word means 'about' or 'around' a certain time. You use it for times that are not exact.
Noun [time] + ごろPrimary
This word means 'about' or 'around' a certain time. You use it for times that are not exact.
明日、３時ごろ会いましょう。
Let's meet around 3 o'clock tomorrow.
昨日の夜８時ごろ、彼から電話がありました。
There was a phone call from him around 8 PM last night.
学生のころは、あまり勉強しなかったなあ。
When I was a student, I didn't study much.
会議は何時ごろ終わりますか。
Around what time will the meeting end?
子供のころ、よくこの公園で遊んだものです。
I used to play in this park often when I was a child.
Think of it like a soft focus lens. It blurs the exact time a little. You can use it for any time word, not just clock times.
「ごろ」 means "around" a time. For example, "around 3 o'clock." 「に」 means "exactly at" a time. For example, "at 3 o'clock." Use 「ごろ」 when it's not exact. Use 「に」 when it is exact.
Watch out: Use 「ごろ」 for a point in time. For example, 「５時ごろ」 means around 5 o'clock. Use 「ぐらい」 for a length of time. For example, 「５時間ぐらい」 means for about 5 hours. Do not say 「５時間ごろ」.
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