Translation guide
The peak or hottest part of summer. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific nouns and phrases rather than a single direct translation.
Referring to the hottest, most intense period of summer, typically around late July to August.
The most common and direct word for 'midsummer' or 'height of summer'. Refers to the hottest part of summer.
Emphasizing the extreme heat during the peak summer period.
Means 'intense heat' or 'scorching heat', often used to describe the peak summer weather.
Referring to the midpoint of the summer season, not necessarily the hottest.
Means 'mid-summer' in a temporal sense. Less common than 真夏.
夏半ばにして、ようやく梅雨が明けた。
In the middle of summer, the rainy season finally ended.
真夏 is the most common and neutral term for 'midsummer'. 盛夏 is more formal and often used in writing or greetings. 夏の盛り is a phrase that emphasizes the peak, and is slightly more descriptive.
The English phrase 'height of summer' cannot be directly translated word-for-word. Using 高さ (height) would be incorrect. Use the expressions above instead.
真夏に海に行った。
We went to the beach at the height of summer.
夏の盛りは花火に最高の時期だ。
The height of summer is the best time for fireworks.
真夏の太陽が照りつける。
The midsummer sun beats down.
真夏にはエアコンが欠かせない。
Air conditioning is essential in the height of summer.
A slightly more formal or literary term for 'midsummer'. Often used in writing or weather forecasts.
盛夏の候、皆様にはお変わりなくお過ごしのことと存じます。
In this midsummer season, I hope you are all doing well.
Literally 'the peak of summer'. A natural phrase used in conversation and writing.
夏の盛りには、この公園は人でいっぱいになる。
At the height of summer, this park gets crowded with people.
Emphatic way to say 'right in the middle of summer'. Casual and vivid.
今は夏真っ盛りで、毎日暑いね。
It's the height of summer now, so hot every day, isn't it?
今年の夏は記録的な酷暑となった。
This summer brought record-breaking intense heat.
Literally 'the peak of the heat'. Focuses on the heat itself rather than the season.
暑さの盛りに外で運動するのは危険です。
Exercising outside at the height of the heat is dangerous.