季節
kisetsu[kʲi̥se̞t͡sɨ]
The English phrase "seasons" is translated into Japanese as 季節 (kisetsu).
季節 refers to the four divisions of the year based on weather and climate. It can also be used more broadly to describe a general period of time or a specific "season" for an activity, such as a season for eating certain foods.
How does it change in a sentence?
季節 is a noun that does not change its form for pluralization.
How do you pronounce it?
kisetsu
Did you know?
- While 季節 describes the four main seasons, Japanese culture recognizes a traditional calendar of 24 micro-seasons called 節気, which divide the year into smaller shifts in nature.
- The concept of seasons in Japan is deeply tied to 'seasonal words' known as 季語 (kigo), which are mandatory elements used when writing traditional Haiku poetry.
- Unlike English, where 'seasons' is often a neutral term, the concept of 季節 in Japan is deeply tied to 移ろい, the idea of the ephemeral and fleeting nature of time.
Examples in context
- 一年には四つの季節がある。There are four seasons in a year.This sentence is useful for stating that there are four seasons in a year.Tatoeba #190235 by bunbuku, translation #27392 by CM
- １年には季節がいくつありますか。How many seasons are there in a year?This sentence is useful for asking how many seasons are in a year.Tatoeba #235678 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #73059 by CM
- １年には４つの季節、春、夏、秋、冬がある。There are four seasons in a year – spring, summer, fall, and winter.This sentence is useful for listing the four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.Tatoeba #235679 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #932549 by FeuDRenais2
- 春が始まり、桜の花が咲き誇ります。Spring has begun, and cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
- 今日は暑い！もう夏らしいね。It's hot today! It already feels like summer, doesn't it?
- 紅葉が美しい季節の到来です。The season of beautiful autumn foliage has arrived.
- 寒い冬の夜に、温かい飲み物がほしい。On a cold winter night, I want a warm drink.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about their favorite time of year.
- 結衣 Yuiどの季節が一番好きですか。Dono kisetsu ga ichiban suki desu ka.Which season do you like the most?
- 陽太 Yota僕は秋が一番好きです。Boku wa aki ga ichiban suki desu.I like autumn the most.
- 結衣 Yui秋は景色がとてもきれいですよね。Aki wa keshiki ga totemo kirei desu yo ne.The scenery is very beautiful in autumn, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、最高の季節だと思います。Hai, saiko no kisetsu da to omoimasu.Yes, I think it's the best season.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 季節, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
