Translation guide
A calendar based on the Earth's revolution around the sun, as opposed to a lunar calendar. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with specific terms, and the Gregorian calendar is the default modern system.
The learner wants to refer to the concept of a solar calendar in general, such as in historical or astronomical contexts.
Standard term for 'solar calendar'. Used in technical, historical, and everyday contexts when contrasting with lunar calendars.
The solar calendar is based on the Earth's revolution.
The learner wants to refer to the specific solar calendar used internationally today, often in contrast to traditional Japanese calendars.
Refers specifically to the Gregorian calendar. Used when precision is needed, such as in historical or religious contexts.
Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1873.
Literally 'Western calendar', commonly used to refer to the Anno Domini system and by extension the Gregorian calendar. Often used in dates (e.g., 西暦2025年).
Means 'new calendar', used historically to refer to the Gregorian calendar after Japan's switch from the lunar calendar. Still seen in contexts like '新暦の七夕' (Tanabata on the solar date).
The learner wants to refer to the traditional East Asian solar calendar system of 24 seasonal points.
The 24 solar terms used in traditional East Asian calendars. These are based on the sun's position and are still referenced in daily life (e.g., 立春, 夏至).
The spring equinox, one of the 24 solar terms, has roughly equal day and night.
太陽暦 (solar calendar) is based on the sun, while 太陰暦 (lunar calendar) is based on the moon. Japan historically used a lunisolar calendar (太陰太陽暦) before adopting the Gregorian calendar.
In everyday conversation, 'calendar' (カレンダー) implies the Gregorian solar calendar. You rarely need to specify 'solar calendar' unless making a distinction.
西暦2025年は令和7年です。
The year 2025 in the Western calendar is Reiwa 7.
新暦の七夕は7月7日です。
Tanabata on the solar calendar is July 7th.