Translation guide
A calendar system based on both the moon phases and the solar year, used historically in East Asia. In Japanese, this is typically referred to as 太陰太陽暦 (taiin taiyōreki) or more commonly as 旧暦 (kyūreki, 'old calendar').
lunisolar calendar (technical)
old/traditional Japanese calendar
The formal or technical term for a calendar that combines lunar months with solar year adjustments.
The standard technical term for a lunisolar calendar. Used in academic or formal contexts.
The lunisolar calendar is a calendar that combines the phases of the moon and the movement of the sun.
Literally 'old calendar'. This is the most common way to refer to the traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar in everyday conversation. It contrasts with 新暦 (shinreki, the Gregorian calendar).
In Japan, the old lunisolar calendar was used until the Meiji period.
Tanabata on the old calendar is around August in the new calendar.
Literally 'lunar calendar'. Sometimes used interchangeably with 旧暦, but strictly speaking a purely lunar calendar without solar adjustment. In casual use, it often refers to the traditional lunisolar calendar.
In the lunar calendar, the new moon is the start of the month.
Referring specifically to the historical Japanese calendar system (also known as 和暦 or 旧暦).
The Japanese traditional calendar, which is a lunisolar calendar. Often used in contrast to 西暦 (seireki, Western calendar).
Dates in the Japanese traditional calendar are offset from the Western calendar.
Literally 'agricultural calendar'. Refers to the lunisolar calendar used for farming purposes, similar to the Chinese 农历. Less common in Japanese but understood.
旧暦 (kyūreki) refers to the old lunisolar calendar, while 新暦 (shinreki) refers to the Gregorian calendar adopted in 1873. Many traditional festivals and events are still observed according to the old calendar dates, or adjusted to the new calendar.
Obon is held according to either the old or new calendar depending on the region.
When talking about traditional events or historical dates, 旧暦 is the most natural term. 太陰太陽暦 sounds technical and is rarely used in daily speech.
The lunisolar calendar has months based on the moon and years based on the sun.
We sow seeds according to the agricultural calendar.
Many East Asian countries used lunisolar calendars historically.