Translation guide
The English word 'season' can refer to the four natural seasons, a period of the year for a specific activity, or the act of adding flavor to food. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to one of the four seasons of the year.
The most common and general word for 'season' in the sense of spring, summer, autumn, or winter.
Japan has four seasons.
Which season do you like best?
A loanword from English, often used for specific periods like tourist seasons or sports seasons, but can also refer to natural seasons in some contexts.
The tourist season is spring.
A more formal or literary term for season, often used in written language.
The season for cherry blossom viewing has arrived.
Referring to a time of year when a particular activity, sport, or event takes place.
The standard word for 'season' in contexts like sports, holidays, or specific activities.
The soccer season has started.
A more general word for 'time' or 'period', often used when 'season' means a suitable time for something.
Specifically refers to the season when a particular food is at its best (in season).
The verb 'to season' meaning to add salt, pepper, spices, etc. to food.
季節 (きせつ) is the native Japanese word for the four natural seasons. シーズン is a loanword used for specific periods like sports seasons, tourist seasons, or TV show seasons. While シーズン can sometimes replace 季節 in casual speech, 季節 is preferred for formal or traditional contexts.
The English verb 'to season' (food) is never translated as 季節. Use 味付けする or 調味する instead.
The ski season is from December.
Now is the season for moving.
Oysters are in season now.