Translation guide
The crescent moon is a common image in Japanese culture, often associated with beauty and the night. This guide covers how to refer to the crescent moon itself, as well as related expressions.
三日月
crescent moon
Referring to the visible thin, curved shape of the moon.
The standard word for a crescent moon. Literally 'third-day moon', referring to the moon on the third day of the lunar month.
今夜は三日月がきれいだ。
The crescent moon is beautiful tonight.
三日月の形をしたイヤリング。
Earrings shaped like a crescent moon.
Literally 'moon shape', used to describe something crescent-shaped. More generic than 三日月.
月形のパン。
A crescent-shaped bread.
A technical or literary term for a crescent moon, often used in poetry or astronomy. Not common in daily speech.
弦月が東の空に浮かんでいた。
The crescent moon hung in the eastern sky.
Referring to the crescent moon as a symbol, especially in Islamic contexts or as a decorative motif.
Also used for the crescent moon symbol, such as on flags or in art.
トルコの国旗には三日月と星が描かれている。
The Turkish flag has a crescent moon and a star.
Loanword from English, used in brand names or modern contexts, e.g., 'Crescent' as a proper noun.
Distinguishing between the crescent before and after the new moon.
Literally 'crescent before the new moon', i.e., the waning crescent. Used in precise contexts.
新月前の三日月は明け方に見える。
The waning crescent moon is visible at dawn.
Literally 'crescent after the new moon', i.e., the waxing crescent.
新月後の三日月は夕方の西の空に見える。
The waxing crescent moon is visible in the western sky at dusk.
The crescent moon (三日月) is a popular motif in Japanese art and poetry, often evoking a sense of elegance and transience. It is also associated with the traditional Japanese calendar.
クレセントという名前のパン屋。
A bakery called 'Crescent'.