Hi again,
1. Someone has asked if they can smoke. The reply is "ああ、今、禁煙時間なんです。" Does this mean "It's no smoking time" (i.e. no smoking at this time)?
2. Same situation, and the reply is "ちょっとまってくださいよ。ああ、まだ3時ですね。どうぞ。" I'm not clear about the sense of まだ. Does it mean it's only 3 o'clock (i.e. it isn't later), or does it mean it's now/already 3 o'clock (i.e. it isn't earlier)?
3. I am slightly perplexed in both cases by the implication that smoking is permitted in some places at certain times of the day. I've never come across such a thing. Is it a Japanese custom?
1. Someone has asked if they can smoke. The reply is "ああ、今、禁煙時間なんです。" Does this mean "It's no smoking time" (i.e. no smoking at this time)?
2. Same situation, and the reply is "ちょっとまってくださいよ。ああ、まだ3時ですね。どうぞ。" I'm not clear about the sense of まだ. Does it mean it's only 3 o'clock (i.e. it isn't later), or does it mean it's now/already 3 o'clock (i.e. it isn't earlier)?
3. I am slightly perplexed in both cases by the implication that smoking is permitted in some places at certain times of the day. I've never come across such a thing. Is it a Japanese custom?