Gaining knowledge of how to say the months in Japanese is essential if you wish to communicate effectively in the language. In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the formal and informal ways to express the months in Japanese. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Style
In formal contexts, such as business interactions, presentations, or official documents, it’s important to use the appropriate level of formality. Here is a list of the months in Japanese, alongside their respective Kanji characters:
- January – 一月 (いちがつ) – Ichigatsu
- February – 二月 (にがつ) – Nigatsu
- March – 三月 (さんがつ) – Sangatsu
- April – 四月 (しがつ) – Shigatsu
- May – 五月 (ごがつ) – Gogatsu
- June – 六月 (ろくがつ) – Rokugatsu
- July – 七月 (しちがつ) – Shichigatsu
- August – 八月 (はちがつ) – Hachigatsu
- September – 九月 (くがつ) – Kugatsu
- October – 十月 (じゅうがつ) – Jūgatsu
- November – 十一月 (じゅういちがつ) – Jūichigatsu
- December – 十二月 (じゅうにがつ) – Jūnigatsu
Note that when pronouncing the months, the “がつ” (gatsu) reading is added after the number.
Informal Style
In casual and everyday conversations, it’s common to use simpler forms to say the months. Here’s a list of the informal versions:
- January – いちがつ (ichigatsu)
- February – にがつ (nigatsu)
- March – さんがつ (sangatsu)
- April – しがつ (shigatsu)
- May – ごがつ (gogatsu)
- June – ろくがつ (rokugatsu)
- July – しちがつ (shichigatsu)
- August – はちがつ (hachigatsu)
- September – くがつ (kugatsu)
- October – じゅうがつ (jūgatsu)
- November – じゅういちがつ (jūichigatsu)
- December – じゅうにがつ (jūnigatsu)
While the informal style may seem simpler, it’s important to use the appropriate level of formality based on the situation and relationship with the person you are speaking to.
Common Tips
1. Practice Proper Pronunciation
Japanese pronunciation is mostly phonetic, making it relatively easier to learn. Remember to stress the syllables correctly, particularly on long vowels or double consonants.
2. Be Consistent in Your Learning
Consistency is key when learning any language. Make a habit of practicing and revising what you’ve learned regularly to reinforce your knowledge of the months in Japanese.
3. Utilize Learning Resources
Take advantage of various resources available to aid your learning. Online platforms, language exchange programs, and textbooks can provide valuable assistance in enhancing your understanding and vocabulary.
Examples:
Formal: 今月は一月です。 (Kongetsu wa ichigatsu desu.) – This month is January.
Informal: 今月はいちがつだよ。 (Kongetsu wa ichigatsu da yo.) – This month is January.
Formal: 来年の二月に東京を訪れます。 (Rainen no nigatsu ni Tōkyō o otozuremasu.) – I will visit Tokyo in February next year.
Informal: 来年のにがつに東京に行くよ。 (Rainen no nigatsu ni Tōkyō ni iku yo.) – I will go to Tokyo in February next year.
By incorporating these tips, you can confidently express the months in Japanese, both formally and informally.
Remember, practice makes perfect! So, go ahead and start using the months in your everyday conversations to enhance your language skills and broaden your cultural understanding of Japanese society.
Good luck on your learning journey!
