Translation guide
The fourth month of the traditional lunar calendar, roughly corresponding to May in the Gregorian calendar. In modern Japanese, this is primarily a historical or poetic term, as Japan now uses the Gregorian calendar. The most common way to refer to this month is 卯月 (uzuki), an old Japanese name still used in literary and cultural contexts.
The learner wants to know the classical Japanese name for the fourth month of the lunar calendar, often encountered in poetry, literature, or traditional contexts.
The traditional Japanese name for the fourth lunar month. Still used in haiku, traditional contexts, and as a poetic term. Note that in modern Japanese, months are usually referred to by number (四月, shigatsu).
The learner needs to refer to the fourth lunar month in a modern context, such as discussing traditional events or historical dates.
The most straightforward way to say 'the fourth month of the lunar calendar' in modern Japanese. Use this when explaining or clarifying.
旧暦の四月は今の五月頃にあたります。
The fourth lunar month corresponds to around May now.
In modern Japanese, April is 四月 (shigatsu). Using 卯月 (uzuki) to mean April in a contemporary context will sound archaic or poetic. Reserve 卯月 for traditional, literary, or historical references.
The old Japanese month names like 卯月 are still used in haiku and other traditional poetry to evoke a sense of season. 卯月 is associated with early summer and the blooming of deutzia flowers (卯の花, unohana).
Uzuki is the fourth month of the lunar calendar.
卯月の頃、花が咲き乱れる。
Around the fourth lunar month, flowers bloom in profusion.
Literally 'old calendar April'. A more descriptive term that explicitly refers to the lunar calendar. Used when clarity is needed.
旧暦四月の行事について調べています。
I'm researching events in the fourth lunar month.
Another term for the lunar calendar, using 陰暦 (inreki). Less common than 旧暦, but may appear in older texts.
陰暦四月は卯月とも呼ばれる。
The fourth lunar month is also called Uzuki.
Uses the technical term 太陰暦 (taiinreki) for a purely lunar calendar. Rarely used outside academic or astronomical contexts.
太陰暦の四月は季節とずれが生じやすい。
The fourth month of a purely lunar calendar tends to drift from the seasons.