Translation guide
The full moon is a common natural phenomenon with a specific Japanese word, but cultural associations and expressions differ from English. This guide covers the basic term, poetic names, and related phrases.
Referring to the moon when it is fully illuminated as seen from Earth.
The standard, neutral word for a full moon. Used in everyday conversation, weather forecasts, and scientific contexts.
A literary or classical term for the full moon, especially the moon on the 15th night of the lunar month. Rare in modern speech.
望月を愛でる。
To admire the full moon.
Specifically the full moon in autumn, often associated with moon-viewing traditions.
Refers to the full moon on the 15th night of the 8th lunar month (around September). Strongly associated with the tradition of moon-viewing (月見).
中秋の名月を見ながら団子を食べた。
We ate dango while viewing the harvest moon.
Literally 'fifteenth night', often used interchangeably with 中秋の名月 to refer to the night of the harvest moon.
The activity or custom of appreciating the full moon, especially in autumn.
Moon-viewing, a traditional Japanese custom. Often implies the autumn full moon but can refer to any moon-viewing.
今夜は月見をしよう。
Let's do moon-viewing tonight.
Using 'full moon' metaphorically or in set phrases.
Describing something as round like a full moon, often used for faces or objects.
彼女の顔は満月のように丸い。
Her face is as round as a full moon.
A common phrase meaning 'night of the full moon', often used in storytelling or poetic contexts.
満月の夜に不思議なことが起こる。
Strange things happen on nights with a full moon.
月見 is a traditional Japanese festival honoring the autumn moon. People often display susuki (pampas grass) and eat tsukimi dango (rice dumplings). It's not just about looking at the moon; it's a seasonal celebration.
満月 (mangetsu) is the full moon, while 三日月 (mikazuki) is the crescent moon. They are distinct phases.
十五夜にはすすきを飾ります。
We decorate with pampas grass on the night of the harvest moon.