Meaning

Primary

New Year

Alternatives

New Year's Holidays, Japanese New Year

Word Type

noun

Explanation

You correct the moon because it's a New Year. It's the beginning of a fresh year, so you gotta have the moon in the correct position.

This usually refers to the first few days of a new year, and it's one of the biggest holidays in Japan.

Reading

しょうがつ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Both of these kanji have a couple of on'yomi readings, so here's a mnemonic to help you remember which ones to use:

At New Year, you hate your Shougun's guts (しょうがつ). He doesn't celebrate New Year, you see, so none of you get any time off. He even started a war last New Year and ruined everyone's holidays. No wonder you hate that shougun's guts.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 正月になる

    the New Year comes

    正月に行く

    to go during the New Year

Context Sentences

もうすぐ、お正月ですね。

New Year's is coming soon.

正月休みは、いつからですか?

When does your New Year's holiday start?

今年の正月のセールでは、スーツが全て五十パーセントオフです。

At this year's New Year sale, all the suits will be 50% off.

Kanji Composition