Translation guide
A traditional Japanese celebration for boys, now part of Children's Day. The most common way to refer to it is 端午の節句, but it is also known as こどもの日 in its modern form.
Referring to the historical celebration specifically for boys, with carp streamers and samurai dolls.
The traditional name for the festival, literally 'the seasonal festival of the fifth day of the fifth month'. Still widely used.
日本では、端午の節句に鯉のぼりを飾ります。
In Japan, we display carp streamers for Boys' Day.
The modern name for the national holiday on May 5th, now officially 'Children's Day', but still strongly associated with boys.
こどもの日は国民の祝日です。
Children's Day is a national holiday.
Refers to the custom of displaying samurai dolls for Boys' Day. Not a name for the day itself, but a key tradition.
男の子のいる家では、五月人形を飾ります。
In homes with boys, they display samurai dolls.
Referring to the act of celebrating or the festivities themselves.
The celebration of Boys' Day. Use this when talking about the event or party.
今年の端午の節句のお祝いは家族で集まりました。
For this year's Boys' Day celebration, the family got together.
The modern equivalent, often used interchangeably.
こどもの日のお祝いに、ちまきを食べました。
For the Children's Day celebration, we ate chimaki.
Since 1948, May 5th has been a national holiday called こどもの日 (Children's Day), but many people still call it 端午の節句 and celebrate it as Boys' Day. The distinction is often blurred in casual conversation.