バレンタイン
barentain
The Japanese word for valentine is バレンタイン (barentain).
In Japan, the term is most commonly used as a colloquial shorthand for 'Valentine's Day' (バレンタインデー) rather than referring to a person.
Meaning: a person to whom you give, or from whom you receive, a valentine, on February 14th (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
barentain
When do people say it?
Valentine's Day in Japan is traditionally a day for women to present gifts, particularly chocolate, to men. In Japanese culture, Valentine's Day is traditionally a day when women give chocolates to men, rather than a reciprocal exchange between partners.
Did you know?
- Beyond the main event on February 14th, Japan celebrates 'White Day' (ホワイトデー) on March 14th. This is a day when men are expected to return gifts of equal or greater value to the women who gave them chocolates.
- Japanese chocolate culture distinguishes between 'Honmei choco' (本命チョコ), given to a romantic interest, and 'Giri choco' (義理チョコ), given to colleagues or friends out of social obligation.
- While the word バレンタイン is borrowed from English, it is common for women to make the chocolates by hand from scratch to show sincerity.
Examples in context
- バレンタインデーおめでとうございます。Happy Valentine's Day
- バレンタインの日に何をする予定?What are your plans for Valentine's Day?
- バレンタインにはチョコレートを贈ります。I give chocolate on Valentine's Day.
- 今年のバレンタインは誰に渡すの？Kotoshi no barentain wa dare ni watasu no?Who are you giving a valentine to this year?
- バレンタインの準備はできましたか？Barentain no junbi wa dekimashita ka?Are you ready for Valentine's Day?
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are talking at school about February 14th.
- 結衣 Yui健太くん、今年のバレンタインは誰と過ごすの？Kenta-kun, kotoshi no barentain wa dare to sugosu no?Kenta, who are you spending Valentine's with this year?
- 健太 Kentaまだ決まってないけど、特にいないよ。Mada kimattenai kedo, tokuni inai yo.I haven't decided yet, but there's no one in particular.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、私があなたのバレンタインになろうか？Jaa, watashi ga anata no barentain ni narou ka?Then, shall I be your Valentine?
- 健太 Kenta本当？すごく嬉しいよ！Hontou? Sugoku ureshii yo!Really? I'm so happy!
