七月
shichigatsu
The English phrase "July" is 七月 (shichigatsu) in Japanese. Wiktionary also lists 文月 (fumizuki).
Meaning: seventh month of the Gregorian calendar (name)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 七月 | shichigatsu | |
| 文月 | fumizuki | [ɸɯ̟mʲizɨkʲi] (narrow) [ɸɯ̟zɨkʲi] (narrow) |
The term refers to the seventh month of the Gregorian calendar.
What does it mean word for word?
七月 (shichigatsu) is composed of 七 (seven) and 月 (month).
Which one should you use?
While 七月 is the standard term for July, 文月 is a poetic or archaic name used in literature and traditional contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
shichigatsu
Did you know?
- In Japan, 七月 is often associated with the 'rainy season' known as tsuyu, which can last from June through much of July.
- The poetic name 文月 comes from the word fumi, meaning 'letter' or 'writing', reflecting a season when people traditionally wrote poetry.
- The Tanabata festival in 七月 celebrates the meeting of two deities, Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are represented by the stars Vega and Altair.
Examples in context
- 七夕は七月に祝う。We celebrate Tanabata in July.This sentence shows the timing of the Tanabata festival using 七月.Tatoeba #541933 by bunbuku, translation #542356 by blay_paul
- 仙台では七月に雨が多い。In Sendai, we have a lot of rain in July.This sentence describes July weather patterns in Sendai using 七月.Tatoeba #141922 by bunbuku, translation #1409163 by CN
- この川は、七月に泳ぐのは危険です。This river is dangerous to swim in, in July.This sentence provides a warning about river safety during 七月.Tatoeba #220820 by KK_kaku_, translation #58142 by Dejo
- 日本の憲法が公示されたのは、1947年7月3日です。The Japanese Constitution was announced on July 3, 1947.
- 夏の祭りは七月に開催されます。The summer festival will be held in July.
- 今度の暑さは七月のせいだよ。This heat is all because of July, you know.
- やっと七月になったね！暑い日が待ち遠しかった。Finally, it's July! I've been eagerly awaiting hot days.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking about their summer vacation plans.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮君は七月に旅行に行きますか？Ren-kun wa shichigatsu ni ryokō ni ikimasu ka?Ren, are you going on a trip in July?
- 蓮 Renはい、七月の末に行く予定です。Hai, shichigatsu no sue ni iku yotei desu.Yes, I plan to go at the end of July.
- 美咲 Misakiいいですね。どこへ行くんですか？Ii desu ne. Doko e ikun desu ka?That's nice. Where are you going?
- 蓮 Ren北海道へ行こうと思っています。Hokkaidō e ikō to omotte imasu.I'm thinking of going to Hokkaido.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “July” translations and entries 七月, 文月, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 七月, 文月, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
