半月
hangetsu
The English phrase "half moon" is translated into Japanese as 半月 (hangetsu).
半月 refers to the phase of the moon when half of its visible disk is illuminated. In certain contexts, this same word is also used to mean "half a month", referring to a period of approximately 15 days.
How does it change in a sentence?
While typically referring to the lunar phase, the word can function as a measurement of time meaning "half a month".
How do you pronounce it?
hangetsu
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese poetry, the 半月 is sometimes viewed as more aesthetically pleasing than a full moon because its asymmetry represents the beauty of imperfection.
- While 半月 is the technical term for a half moon, Japanese people frequently use 三日月 'three-day moon' to describe the crescent moon.
- In Japanese, the word 半月 can describe an object shaped like a crescent moon, such as a 'half-moon' shaped rice cracker or a decorative ornament.
Examples in context
- 今夜の半月は美しいですね。Tonight's half moon is beautiful, isn't it?
- 空に半月が見えます。Sora ni hangetsu ga miemasu.A half moon is visible in the sky.
- 半月がとても綺麗です。Hangetsu ga totemo kirei desu.The half moon is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Himari are looking at the night sky together.
- 陽葵 Himari見て、あそこに半月が出ているよ。Mite, asoko ni hangetsu ga dete iru yo.Look, there is a half moon over there.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ。とても明るいね。Hontō da. Totemo akarui ne.You're right. It's very bright.
- 陽葵 Himari明日はどうなるかな？Ashita wa dō naru kana?I wonder what it will look like tomorrow.
- 大翔 Hirotoもう少し丸くなると思うよ。Mō sukoshi maruku naru to omou yo.I think it will become a bit rounder.
