So you want to know how to say “last month” in Japanese? Great! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to express this concept in both formal and informal settings. We’ll also provide you with helpful tips, examples, and explanations to ensure you grasp the nuances of the Japanese language. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
In formal situations, such as business meetings, official letters, or academic discussions, it’s important to use appropriate language. To express “last month” formally in Japanese, you can use the phrase “sengetsu” (先月). This term is widely understood and accepted in formal settings throughout Japan.
Example: 会議を休んだことについて、先月の理由を説明しました。(Kaigi o yasunda koto ni tsuite, sengetsu no riyō o setsumei shimashita.) – I explained the reasons for my absence in last month’s meeting.
Informal Ways
In casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues you are close to, there are various informal expressions for “last month” in Japanese. Here are some commonly used phrases:
- Kyonen no kisaragi (去年の如月) – Literally meaning “the like of February last year.” This phrase is used when referring to the time around February of the previous year, usually in a nostalgic or sentimental manner.
- Otosan no tsuki (おとさんの月) – Referring to “the month of last,” this expression is similar to saying “last month” in English. It is commonly used in daily conversations.
- Kyonen no ichigatsu (去年の一月) – This phrase translates to “January last year” and can be used to describe the month preceding the current one.
Example: 遊園地に行ったのは、おとさんの月だったよ。(Yūenchi ni itta no wa, otosan no tsuki datta yo.) – I went to the amusement park last month.
Tips and Regional Variations
While the above expressions are widely used across Japan, it’s essential to be aware of regional variations. Some dialects or local variations may have their unique ways of referring to “last month.” For example, in the Kansai region, people often use the phrase “senshū (先々週)” to mean “three weeks ago,” which can sometimes be used to indicate “last month” as well.
Example: 佐藤さんに先々週の買い物代を返したよ。（Satō-san ni senshū no kaimonodai o kaeshita yo.) – I returned the shopping money I borrowed from Sato-san three weeks ago (last month).
Fun Fact: It’s fascinating to note that in the traditional Japanese calendar (koyomi), the month before the current month is often referred to as “senzuki” (先月) rather than “last month.” However, in modern spoken Japanese, “senzuki” is less commonly used, except in certain literary or poetic contexts.
Remember, it’s crucial to consider the formality of the situation and the dialect or region you are in when selecting the appropriate way to express “last month” in Japanese. Being aware of these subtle nuances will help you communicate effectively and naturally with native Japanese speakers.
To sum up, we covered the formal expression “sengetsu” (先月) and various informal phrases such as “kyonen no kisaragi” (去年の如月), “otosan no tsuki” (おとさんの月), and “kyonen no ichigatsu” (去年の一月). We also explored regional variations like “senshū” (先々週) in the Kansai region and learned about the unique use of “senzuki” (先月) in the traditional Japanese calendar.
By mastering these expressions and understanding their contexts, you can confidently talk about “last month” in Japanese. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon become fluent in discussing time-related topics in the Japanese language. Ganbatte kudasai (頑張ってください) – Good luck!
