Meaning
「It's a great time to」は、何かを始めるのに適した時期や状況を表現するフレーズです。この表現は、特定の行動や活動を推奨する際に使われます。たとえば、「It's a great time to start a new hobby」（新しい趣味を始めるのにうってつけの時期です）と言うことで、その行動を始めるための理想的なタイミングであることを伝えることができます。
このフレーズを使うことで、相手に対して前向きな気持ちを伝えたり、行動を起こす勇気を与えたりする効果があります。季節の変わり目や特定のイベントを機に、何か新しいことを始めるよう促す際に便利です。
例えば、「It's a great time to travel」（旅行するのに良い時期です）と言えば、天候や状況が旅行に適していることを示します。相手に何かを勧める際に、この表現を使ってみてください。
このように、「It's a great time to」は、何かを始めるのに適した時期であることを伝える便利なフレーズです。ぜひ日常会話で活用してみましょう。
Today's Sentences
- It’s a great time to leave.
- It’s a great time to invest.
- It’s a great time to get a dog.
- It’s a great time to eat seafood.
- It’s a great time to buy a house.
- Writer's Note
01
It’s a great time to leave.
Situation 1
This party was so much fun.
And now that the sun is coming up, it’s a great time to leave.
What a long night.
I had fun too.
Honestly, I can’t wait for the next one!
正直なところ、次の機会が待ちきれません！
Situation 2
Can I buy you a drink?
Actually, I’m here with someone.
But, thank you.
でも、ありがとう。
Come on.
Let me buy you a drink.
飲み物をご馳走させてください。
Since you’re not respecting my space, I think it’s a great time to leave.
02
It’s a great time to invest.
Situation 1
I’ve got some supplemental income coming in over the next few months.
Well, it’s a great time to invest.
What would you invest in, stocks or gold?
If you’re willing to take on a little more risk, then stocks may be a better option. It’s a powerful way to grow your wealth over time.
Situation 2
We’re looking at houses in this area.
Housing prices have fallen a great deal this year.
Meaning that it’s a great time to invest.
つまり、今は投資する絶好の機会です。
We’re looking at homes with a view of the park and schools nearby.
I can show you a few houses that are on the market.
I feel more joy since I’ve learned to slow down.
ゆっくりすることを学んでから、より多くの喜びを感じています。
03
It’s a great time to get a dog.
Situation 1
Look at all these treats and accessories!
It’s a great time to get a dog.
Seriously, it seems like dogs are living the life!
They’re treated better than humans.
彼らは人間よりも良い待遇を受けています。
No doubt, I think they deserve it.
Situation 2
Are you looking for a certain breed?
Feel free to get to know our animals.
ぜひ私たちの動物たちを知ってください。
Sure, I just stopped by to take a look at your puppies.
It’s a great time to get a dog.
The weather has just turned into warm spring.
天気はちょうど暖かい春になりました。
I think so too.
Look! This little guy is adorable.
見てください！この小さな子はとてもかわいいですね。
04
It’s a great time to eat seafood.
Situation 1
So what do you feel like having?
We always eat the same food.
Should we try something different?
何か違うものを試してみましょうか
Since we usually have meaty dishes, how about seafood?
It’s a great time to eat seafood at this time of year.
Situation 2
It’s a great time to eat seafood.
Is it?
How do you know?
How do you know?」
どうしてそう思うのですか？
Well, back in the day, fishermen used to say that the best time to eat seafood is through September and April.
I didn’t know that.
It must’ve been at a time when refrigeration or canned food wasn’t so readily available.
それは冷蔵や缶詰食品がまだ普及していなかった時代のことだったに違いありません。
05
It’s a great time to buy a house.
Situation 1
Look at all the ‘For Sale’ signs around here.
Actually, it’s a great time to buy a house.
We’re definitely at an advantage.
The housing market crash is a profitable investment for home buyers.
Situation 2
What do you want to do this weekend?
I wanna go see some open houses.
It’s a great time to buy a house.
Should we call a few real estate brokers?
不動産仲介業者に何人か連絡を取りましょうか？
Do you know any brokers?
I’d love to go see some newly built homes uptown.
新しく建てられた住宅をアプタウンで見に行きたいです。
Writer's Note
Our post is about how to use "It's a great time". It pretty much refers to a particularly opportune or excellent moment for something to happen. When you see the word "time" you probably assume that the sentence would refer to a specific point in time. You're absolutely correct!
"It's a great time" is very similar in meaning to "It's a good idea". Essentially, "great time" focuses on the timing being ideal, while "good idea" focuses on the concept itself being positive.
Examples:
- It's a great time to upgrade your software.
It's a good idea to upgrade your software. - It's a great time to invest in gold.
It's a good idea to invest in gold. - It's a great time to start intermittent fasting.
It's a good idea to start intermittent fasting. - It's a great time to renovate the kitchen.
It's a good idea to renovate the kitchen. - It's a great time to visit the salon for a haircut.
It's a good idea to visit the salon for a haircut.
ソフトウェアをアップグレードするのは良いアイデアです。
金に投資するのは良いアイデアです。
「断続的断食を始めるのは良い考えです。」
キッチンをリフォームするのは良いアイデアです。
ヘアカットのためにサロンを訪れるのは良いアイデアです。
Do you see the similarities and the slight differences in meaning? Can you replace "It's a good idea to" in the situations given above? Give it a try!
To summarize:
"Good idea": Indicates a positive suggestion or plan with merit.
"Great time": Emphasizes the current moment being perfect for an action.
