Gordon Dennis
Learning how to say the month and date in Japanese is essential for everyday conversation, making plans, and understanding important events. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express dates, provide tips for pronunciation, and showcase several examples. Whether you’re a beginner or already have some knowledge of the Japanese language, this guide will help you navigate the intricate world of Japanese dates with ease.
Formal Ways to Say the Month
In formal settings, such as official documents, business conversations, or when speaking to someone of higher authority, it’s important to use the appropriate vocabulary and structure when mentioning the month in Japanese.
- January: ichigatsu (いちがつ)
- February: nigatsu (にがつ)
- March: sangatsu (さんがつ)
- April: shigatsu (しがつ)
- May: gogatsu (ごがつ)
- June: rokugatsu (ろくがつ)
- July: shichigatsu (しちがつ)
- August: hachigatsu (はちがつ)
- September: kugatsu (くがつ)
- October: juugatsu (じゅうがつ)
- November: juichigatsu (じゅういちがつ)
- December: juunigatsu (じゅうにがつ)
To express the month in a formal context, you can use the following structure: “number + gatsu” (月). For example, “May” would be “go + gatsu” (ごがつ). Remember to always use the appropriate reading for each number when expressing the month.
Informal Ways to Say the Month
In casual conversations, with friends, or when talking to family members, you can use a simpler way to refer to the months in Japanese. Informal expressions are often easier to remember and use in everyday situations.
- January: ichi-gatsu (いちがつ)
- February: ni-gatsu (にがつ)
- March: san-gatsu (さんがつ)
- April: shi-gatsu (しがつ)
- May: go-gatsu (ごがつ)
- June: roku-gatsu (ろくがつ)
- July: shichi-gatsu (しちがつ)
- August: hachi-gatsu (はちがつ)
- September: ku-gatsu (くがつ)
- October: ju-gatsu (じゅうがつ)
- November: ju-ichi-gatsu (じゅういちがつ)
- December: ju-ni-gatsu (じゅうにがつ)
Using these informal expressions is appropriate during casual conversations, such as making plans with friends or discussing personal matters. It’s important to adjust your speech accordingly based on the formality of the situation and those involved.
Examples and Tips for Pronunciation
Let’s go through some examples of stating the month in Japanese sentences. Pay attention to the pronunciation tips provided to improve your spoken Japanese.
Example 1: 私の誕生日は十月十六日です。
Watashi no tanjoubi wa juu-gatsu juuroku-nichi desu.
(My birthday is October 16th.)
In this example, “juu-gatsu juuroku-nichi” means “October 16th.” The pronunciation tip is to focus on enunciating each sound clearly, especially when differentiating “shi” (し) and “yon” (よん), which both mean “four.” Using the right intonation and rhythm will greatly enhance your spoken Japanese skills.
Example 2: 夏季休暇は八月中旬にあります。
Kaki kyuuka wa hachi-gatsu chuujun ni arimasu.
(The summer vacation is in mid-August.)
Here, “hachi-gatsu chuujun” represents “mid-August.” When pronouncing “chuujun,” make sure to emphasize both syllables and maintain a steady rhythm. Practice this sentence to enhance your fluency and get accustomed to pronouncing complex expressions with ease.
Wrapping Up
Mastering the vocabulary and phrases related to months and dates in Japanese is a valuable skill for effective communication. Remember to adapt your expressions based on the formality of the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking with. Regular practice and exposure to Japanese language resources will greatly contribute to your fluency. So, keep practicing, and soon you’ll confidently discuss months and dates in Japanese, no matter the situation!
