三月
sangatsu[sã̠ŋɡa̠t͡sɨ]
In Japanese, the English phrase 'march' (referring to the third month) is translated as 三月 (sangatsu). If unsure, use 三月. Wiktionary also lists 弥生 (yayoi).
Meaning: third month of the Gregorian calendar (name)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 三月 | sangatsu | [sã̠ŋɡa̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 弥生 | yayoi | [ja̠jo̞i] (narrow) |
The standard term for the third month of the Gregorian calendar is 三月. A related noun, 行進, is used when referring to a formal, rhythmic way of walking or a political rally and parade.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 三月 is composed of the kanji for three (三) and month (月), literally meaning 'third month'.
Which one should you use?
While 三月 is the standard way to say March, 弥生 is a poetic or classical name for the month used in literature and seasonal greetings.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting specific days within the month, use the number followed by 日 (e.g., 三月一日 for March 1st).
How do you pronounce it?
sangatsu
Did you know?
- The term 弥生 is so culturally ingrained that it is often used as a feminine given name for people born in the third month.
- In Japan, 三月 is often associated with the start of the new school and fiscal years, though the official transition usually happens at the end of the month.
- The name 弥生 is a remnant of the lunar calendar system used before Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1873.
Examples in context
- 三月が終わる。March is over.This sentence shows how to state that 三月 is finished.Tatoeba #11358720 by cia_UnitedStatesNa13, translation #13187504 by atitarev
- 三月にはたくさんの花が咲く。In March, many flowers come out.This sentence describes the flowers that bloom in 三月.Tatoeba #2497753 by bunbuku, translation #72709 by CK
- 卒業式は三月二十日に行われます。The graduation ceremony will take place on March 20th.This sentence shows how to state a specific date in 三月 using the word 三月.Tatoeba #139663 by bunbuku, translation #274537 by CK
- 三月が成功の月となりますように。(さんがつ が せいこう の つき と なります ように。)May March be a month of success for you.
- 三月に開催されるイベント (さんがつ に かいさい される いべんと)Events held in March
- 三月の天候 (さんがつ の てんこう)Weather in March
- 三月の花 (さんがつ の はな)Flowers in March
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their upcoming travel plans.
- 蓮 Ren三月に日本へ行きますか？Sangatsu ni Nihon e ikimasu ka?Are you going to Japan in March?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、三月の旅行を計画しています。Hai, sangatsu no ryokou o keikaku shite imasu.Yes, I am planning a trip in March.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さんは、いつ出発しますか？Yui-san wa, itsu shuppatsu shimasu ka?Yui, when will you depart?
- 結衣 Yui三月の初めに予定しています。Sangatsu no hajime ni yotei shite imasu.I am planning to go at the beginning of March.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “march” translations and entries 三月, 弥生, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
