Learning how to say “this month” in Japanese can be a useful skill when conversing with native speakers or discussing dates and events. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of expressing “this month” in Japanese, along with some tips, regional variations when necessary, and plenty of examples to help you grasp the concept and use it confidently.
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Formal Ways to Say “This Month”
When it comes to formal expressions, the proper phrase to denote “this month” in Japanese is:
今月 (こんげつ, kongetsu)
The term “今月” is composed of two kanji characters: “今” meaning “now” or “this” and “月” meaning “month.” When spoken, it is pronounced as “kongetsu.” Here are a few examples of how to use it in sentences:
- 今月の予定を教えてください。 (こんげつのよていをおしえてください。)
Can you please tell me this month’s schedule? - 来週から今月末まで出張します。 (らいしゅうからこんげつまつまでしゅっちょうします。)
I will be on a business trip from next week until the end of this month.
Informal Ways to Say “This Month”
For more casual conversations or when speaking with friends, you can use the following informal ways to say “this month” in Japanese:
今月 (こんげ, konge) or 今月 (こんげっちゅう, kongecchū)
The informal variation of “この月” drops the final “つ” sound, resulting in “こんげ” or elongates it to “こんげっちゅう”. These versions are commonly used in spoken language. Here are a few examples of how to use them:
- 今月の予定を教えてよ。 (こんげのよていをおしえてよ。)
Can you tell me this month’s schedule? - 今月の給料がようやく入った。 (こんげのきゅうりょうがようやくはいった。)
I finally received this month’s salary.
Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken in various regions of Japan, and some areas have regional dialects or unique phrases. While the variations for saying “this month” are relatively limited, one example is worth noting:
今度の月 (こんどのつき, kondo no tsuki)
In certain regions, especially in western Japan, “今度の月” can be heard instead of “今月.” The term “今度” means “this time” or “next time,” and when combined with “月,” it becomes “this month” or “next month.” Please note that this variation may not be commonly used throughout Japan, but it might still be helpful to be aware of it.
Summary
In summary, when expressing “this month” in Japanese, you can use the formal phrase “今月” (こんげつ, kongetsu). For more casual situations, the informal variations “こんげ” (konge) and “こんげっちゅう” (kongecchū) are commonly used. Remember that regional variations, like “今度の月” (こんどのつき, kondo no tsuki), may exist, but they are not as widely used.
By familiarizing yourself with these phrases and practicing their usage, you will gradually gain confidence in incorporating them into your conversations. So go ahead, use these expressions to talk about upcoming events, make plans, or simply engage in friendly chit-chat in Japanese!
