Japanese word

三日月

Pronunciation

Romajimikazuki

Meaning

  • nouncrescent moon

Example

今夜は三日月が見えます。kon ya wa mi ka zuki ga mi e ma su

A crescent moon is visible tonight.

Illustration for 三日月 (crescent moon)

More examples

雲の切れ間から三日月が顔を出しました。kumo no ki re ma ka ra mi ka zuki ga kao o da shi ma shi ta

The crescent moon appeared through a break in the clouds.

Core concept

Refers to the moon when only a narrow, curved part of its surface is lit and visible.

Common phrases

  • 三日月の夜mi ka zuki no yoru

    a night with a crescent moon

  • 三日月を眺めるmi ka zuki o naga me ru

    gaze at the crescent moon

Definition in Japanese

新月の後、細い弓形に見える月。shin getsu no ato hoso i yumi gata ni mi e ru tsuki

Word origin

三日月 (mikazuki) is formed from 三日 (mikka, "three days") and 月 (tsuki, "moon"), based on its traditional appearance around the third day after a new moon.

Usage tips

  • In English, crescent moon covers both waxing and waning phases, but 三日月 (mikazuki) traditionally describes the young crescent shortly after the new moon.

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