Translation guide
The English word 'moon' primarily refers to Earth's natural satellite. In Japanese, the most common word is 月 (つき). This guide covers how to talk about the moon in various contexts, from everyday conversation to poetic expressions.
moon
Referring to the moon as the celestial body we see in the sky.
The standard word for the moon. Used in everyday conversation.
The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?
The moon is out.
A personified, affectionate, or child-friendly term for the moon. Often used in stories or when speaking to children.
The moon is smiling!
A literary or classical term for the moon, often used in poetry or traditional contexts. Not used in daily speech.
lunar calendar
Referring to natural satellites of other planets.
Referring to the light from the moon.
Describing the different shapes of the moon as seen from Earth.
Referring to the traditional Japanese custom of appreciating the moon, especially the harvest moon.
Moon viewing, a traditional autumn event. Often involves eating dango and admiring the full moon.
Let's do moon viewing tonight.
Using 'moon' to mean a month, often in poetic or archaic contexts.
Use 月 for Earth's moon in everyday contexts. Use 衛星 for moons of other planets or in scientific discussions. 月 can also be used for other moons casually, but 衛星 is clearer.
The moon holds a special place in Japanese aesthetics. Phrases like 月がきれいですね (The moon is beautiful, isn't it?) are famously associated with indirect confessions of love, attributed to Natsume Soseki.
The moon is beautiful tonight.
There will be a full moon tomorrow.
Saturn's moon Titan
We walked along the path by moonlight.
新月の夜は星がよく見える。
On a new moon night, you can see the stars well.
三日月が西の空に浮かんでいた。
A crescent moon hung in the western sky.
半月が明るく輝いている。
The half moon is shining brightly.
We eat moon-viewing dumplings.