建国記念日
kenkoku kinenbi
The English phrase "national day" can be translated into Japanese as 建国記念日 (kenkoku kinenbi). If unsure, use 建国記念日. Wiktionary also lists 国民の祝日 (kokumin no shukujitsu).
Meaning: day marking a country's establishment (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 建国記念日 | kenkoku kinenbi |
| 国民の祝日 | kokumin no shukujitsu |
国民の祝日 is the general category used to describe any public holiday established by law in Japan. 建国記念日 specifically refers to the anniversary of the founding of the nation.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 建国記念日 is composed of 建国 (founding a nation), 記念 (commemoration) and 日 (day).
Which one should you use?
建国記念日 specifically refers to the anniversary of the founding of the nation, whereas 国民の祝日 is a more general term for a national holiday. In Japan, 建国記念日 is a specific public holiday held on February 11th.
How do you pronounce it?
kenkoku kinenbi
Did you know?
- While 建国記念日 translates to 'founding anniversary', the date it celebrates, February 11th, is tied to the legendary ascension of Emperor Jimmu, the first legendary emperor of Japan.
- Japan has a unique 'Happy Monday' system where some 国民の祝日 are moved to Mondays to create three-day weekends for workers.
- The character 記念 (kinen), meaning 'commemoration', is also the same word used for a 'souvenir' or 'memento' in many contexts.
Examples in context
- 建国記念日はいつですか。Kenkoku kinenbi wa itsu desu ka.When is the national day?
- 今日は建国記念日です。Kyō wa kenkoku kinenbi desu.Today is the national day.
- 建国記念日に旅行をします。Kenkoku kinenbi ni ryokō o shimasu.I will travel on the national day.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing their holiday schedule.
- 健太 Kenta来週は建国記念日だね。Raishū wa kenkoku kinenbi da ne.Next week is the national day, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariそうですね。休みが楽しみです。Sō desu ne. Yasumi ga tanoshimi desu.That's right. I'm looking forward to the holiday.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは何か予定があるの？Himari-san wa nani ka yotei ga aru no?Himari, do you have any plans?
- 陽葵 Himari家でゆっくり過ごすつもりです。Ie de yukkuri sugosu tsumori desu.I intend to relax at home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “national day” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
