春
haru[ha̠ɾɯ̟]
The English word "spring" is translated into Japanese as 春 (haru). If unsure, use 春. Wiktionary also lists 春季 (shunki) and 春期 (shunki).
Meaning: season between winter and summer in temperate climates (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 春 | haru | [ha̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 春季 | shunki | [ɕɨ̃ŋʲkʲi] (narrow) |
| 春期 | shunki | [ɕɨ̃ŋʲkʲi] (narrow) |
The word 春 is the common term used to refer to the season between winter and summer in everyday conversation.
Which one should you use?
While 春 is the standard word for the season, the terms 春季 and 春期 (both pronounced shunki) are more formal or technical. These are used for specific seasonal classifications or academic terms, often translated as "spring season."
How do you pronounce it?
haru
Did you know?
- In Japan, the 'spring' academic and fiscal years typically begin in April rather than September or January. This timing is intentionally aligned with the blooming of cherry blossoms.
- The word 春 is often used as a metaphor for the 'prime of one's life' or a period of youth and vigor. A phrase like 青春 translates to 'blue spring' and means adolescence.
- In traditional Japanese poetry, 春 is not just a season but a 'kigo' or season word. Using 春 or a related word in a haiku tells the reader exactly when the poem is set.
Examples in context
- 春はもうすぐだ。Spring is just around the corner.The first example shows how to express that spring is approaching using 春.Tatoeba #147606 by bunbuku, translation #266950 by CK
- もうすぐ春です。Spring will come soon.The second example uses a polite form to say spring is coming soon with 春.Tatoeba #685960 by arihato, translation #31604 by CM
- もうすぐ春だよ。It will be spring soon.The third example uses a casual form to state it will be spring soon with 春.Tatoeba #10741344 by small_snow, translation #694426 by AmberShadow
- 187 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about the changing weather outdoors.
- 健太 Kenta春が来たね。Haru ga kita ne.Spring has arrived, hasn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari本当に。暖かくなったね。Hontou ni. Atatakaku natta ne.It really has. It's become warm.
- 健太 Kenta春は花がきれいだよ。Haru wa hana ga kirei da yo.Flowers are beautiful in spring.
- 陽葵 Himariそうだね。楽しみだね。Sou da ne. Tanoshimi da ne.That's true. I'm looking forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spring” translations and entries 春, 春季, 春期, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
