暁
akatsuki[a̠ka̠t͡sɨ̥kʲi]
akatsuki is the Japanese phrase for dawn.
暁 is a noun referring to the time of day when the sky begins to brighten just before sunrise. In literature and poetry, it is often used to evoke a sense of a new beginning or a moment of clarity.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 暁 literally refers to the dawn or daybreak.
How do you pronounce it?
akatsuki
Did you know?
- In modern pop culture, akatsuki is widely recognized globally as the name of the antagonist organization in the manga and anime series 'Naruto'.
- The concept of 'dawn' in Japanese can also be a nominalization of the verb satoru, which means to perceive, understand, or reach enlightenment.
- In its original Old Japanese construction, the word was a compound of aka and toki, literally meaning 'the time of opening'.
Examples in context
- あのアニメキャラクターは「アカツキ」と呼ばれています。That anime character is called "Akatsuki."
- 有名なジャパニーズバンド、「アカツキ」の新曲は素晴らしいですね。The new song of the famous Japanese band, "Akatsuki," is fantastic, isn't it?
- アカツキの旗は赤地に白雲の図柄が描かれています。The flag of Akatsuki features a red background with a drawing of white clouds.
- 暁の空がとても美しい。akatsuki no sora ga totemo utsukushii.The dawn sky is very beautiful.
- 暁に目が覚めた。akatsuki ni me ga sameta.I woke up at dawn.
- 暁の光が部屋に入ってきた。akatsuki no hikari ga heya ni haitte kita.The light of dawn entered the room.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are planning a hike to see the sunrise.
- 結衣 Yui明日は暁に起きないと間に合わないね。Ashita wa akatsuki ni okinai to maniawanai ne.We won't make it tomorrow unless we wake up at dawn.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。何時にアラームをセットしようか。Sou da ne. Nan-ji ni araamu o setto shiyou ka.You're right. What time should I set the alarm for?
- 結衣 Yui暁の空が見たいから、早めに起きよう。Akatsuki no sora ga mitai kara, hayame ni okiyou.I want to see the dawn sky, so let's wake up early.
- 健太 Kentaわかった。健太が準備しておくよ。Wakatta. Kenta ga junbi shite oku yo.Got it. Kenta will get everything ready.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 暁, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 暁, CC BY-SA 4.0.
