Japanese Conversation · Level 51
90 words
Japanese word
正月
Pronunciation
Romajishōgatsu
Meaning
- nounNew Year
Example
正月に祖父母の家へ行きます。shō gatsu ni so fu bo no ie e i ki ma su
I go to my grandparents' house for New Year's.
More examples
正月の朝は家族そろって雑煮を食べます。shō gatsu no asa wa ka zoku so ro tte zō ni o ta be ma su
My whole family eats ozoni soup on New Year's morning.
Core concept
It centers on the beginning of the year as a recognized season for celebration and family visits.
Common phrases
正月休みshō gatsu yasu mi
New Year's holiday
正月料理shō gatsu ryō ri
New Year's dishes
正月飾りshō gatsu kaza ri
New Year's decorations
Similar words
新年shinnen: The year that has just begun, often used in greetings and formal expressions.
Definition in Japanese
年の初めの時期、特に一月の初めの祝いの期間。nen no haji me no ji ki toku ni ichi gatsu no haji me no iwa i no ki kan
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 正月 (shōgatsu) combines 正 (shō, "proper") and 月 (gatsu, "month") to name the year's first month.
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, 正月 (shōgatsu) often refers to the opening days of January as a season, not only to New Year's Day itself.