Translation guide
Refers to the eighth month of the traditional East Asian lunisolar calendar, roughly corresponding to September in the Gregorian calendar. In Japanese, this is expressed using the traditional month name 葉月 (Hazuki) or the numerical form 八月 (hachigatsu) when context makes the lunar calendar clear.
The classical Japanese name for the eighth lunar month, often used in poetry, literature, or when discussing traditional events.
The traditional Japanese name for the eighth month of the lunar calendar. Literally 'leaf month', referring to the time when leaves begin to fall. Commonly used in haiku, traditional contexts, and when explicitly referring to the lunar calendar.
葉月は旧暦の八月です。
Hazuki is the eighth month of the lunar calendar.
葉月の頃になると、少し涼しくなります。
Around the time of Hazuki, it gets a little cooler.
Using the standard numerical month name when the lunar calendar is already established in context, such as in historical or traditional discussions.
Explicitly states 'eighth month of the lunar calendar'. Use when clarity is needed or when introducing the topic.
旧暦の八月は中秋の名月があります。
The eighth month of the lunar calendar has the harvest moon.
Simply 'August' in the modern calendar, but can mean the eighth lunar month if the context clearly indicates the lunar calendar. Without context, it will be understood as August. Use with caution.
Without clear context, 八月 means August (Gregorian). Only use when the lunar calendar is already the topic.
当時の八月は今の九月にあたります。
The eighth month of that time corresponds to today's September.
Referring to the eighth lunar month when discussing traditional festivals or seasonal markers that fall in that month.
Another term for the lunar calendar, using 陰暦 (inreki). Less common than 旧暦, but seen in some traditional contexts.
陰暦八月十五日は中秋節です。
The 15th day of the eighth lunar month is the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Simply saying '八月 (hachigatsu)' will almost always be interpreted as August in the Gregorian calendar. Always establish the lunar calendar context first, or use 葉月 (Hazuki) or 旧暦の八月 (kyūreki no hachigatsu) to be clear.
The traditional Japanese month names (like 葉月) are still used in poetry, traditional arts, and some modern contexts like calendar apps or cultural articles. They add a classical flavor and are understood by most Japanese speakers.