Gaining the ability to express the months in Japanese not only enhances your language skills but also allows you to connect with native speakers on a deeper level. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to say the months of the year in both formal and informal contexts, providing you with various tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way of Saying the Months
When it comes to formal settings or situations, such as business meetings, official correspondence, or academic environments, using the more polite and respectful terms to express the months is essential.
List of Months in Formal Japanese
- 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 (jugatsu)
- November – じゅういちがつ (juuichigatsu)
- December – じゅうにがつ (juunigatsu)
Example Sentences (Formal)
1. 私の誕生日は六月です。
(Watashi no tanjoubi wa rokugatsu desu.)
=> My birthday is in June.
2. 会議は十二月に開かれます。
(Kaigi wa juunigatsu ni hirakaremasu.)
=> The meeting will be held in December.
Informal Way of Saying the Months
In casual interactions, with friends or peers, using the more relaxed and colloquial versions of the month names is common practice.
List of Months in Informal Japanese
- January – いちがつ (ichigatsu)
- February – にがつ (nigatsu)
- March – さんがつ (sangatsu)
- April – しんがつ (shingatsu)
- 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 (jugatsu)
- November – じゅういちがつ (juuichigatsu)
- December – じゅうにがつ (juunigatsu)
Example Sentences (Informal)
1. 夏休みは七月からです。
(Natsuyasumi wa shichigatsu kara desu.)
=> Summer vacation starts in July.
2. 九月お誕生日おめでとう！
(Kugatsu otanjoubi omedetou!)
=> Happy birthday in September!
Tips for Learning the Month Names
1. Use Mnemonics and Associations
Associating each month’s name with something familiar or using memorable mnemonics can aid in remembering their Japanese counterparts. For example:
March (Sangatsu) – Sakura blossoms start to bloom in March.
July (Shichigatsu) – Japanese summer festivals are held in July.
2. Practice Pronunciation
Paying attention to correct pronunciation is vital. Practice each month’s name and focus on the appropriate accent and intonation specific to Japanese.
3. Engage in Conversations
Practicing with native speakers allows you to reinforce your understanding of the months. Use these opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback on your pronunciation and usage.
4. Utilize Language Learning Tools
Make use of language learning apps, flashcards, or online quizzes that provide exercises to reinforce your knowledge of the months in Japanese. Regular practice helps solidify your understanding.
Conclusion
Mastering the months of the year in Japanese opens up new possibilities for communication and cultural exchanges. By familiarizing yourself with both formal and informal variations, you’ll have the flexibility to express yourself appropriately in different contexts. Remember to use mnemonic techniques and practice regularly, and soon enough, you’ll be confidently conversing about specific months and dates in Japanese!
