Translation guide
The Girls' Festival (Hinamatsuri) is a Japanese celebration on March 3rd, also known as the Doll Festival. This guide explains how to refer to the festival naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the Girls' Festival or Doll Festival as an event.
The most common and natural way to say 'Girls' Festival' or 'Doll Festival' in Japanese. It literally means 'doll festival'.
The Girls' Festival is on March 3rd.
We display hina dolls for the Girls' Festival.
A more traditional, poetic name meaning 'Peach Festival'. Often used in formal contexts or on seasonal greeting cards.
We eat chirashi sushi for the Peach Festival.
Literally 'Girls' Festival', but this phrase is not commonly used in Japanese. It may appear in explanations for non-Japanese, but ひな祭り is the standard term.
Avoid using this phrase in natural conversation; it sounds like a direct translation from English.
March 3rd is the Girls' Festival.
Expressing greetings or well-wishes for the Girls' Festival.
A simple and friendly way to say 'Happy Girls' Festival'. Suitable for casual conversation with friends or family.
Happy Girls' Festival!
A very formal congratulatory message, used in writing or formal speeches.
The Girls' Festival is a day to pray for the health and happiness of young girls. Families with daughters display ornamental dolls (ひな人形) and enjoy special foods like chirashi sushi and hishi mochi.
I wish you a happy Girls' Festival.