Translation guide
The warmest season of the year. In Japanese, the word 夏 (なつ) is the standard translation. This guide covers how to talk about summer, including seasonal greetings, activities, and expressions.
summer
Referring to the season itself, typically June to August in Japan.
The most common and general word for summer.
I like summer.
This summer is very hot.
A more formal term for the summer season, often used in official or written contexts.
I will take summer vacation.
Refers to a summer period or term, such as a school semester or business quarter.
I will attend a summer course.
Talking about things you do in summer, like festivals, swimming, or travel.
Talking about the heat, humidity, and other characteristics of summer.
Hot (for weather). Be careful not to confuse with 熱い (あつい, hot to the touch).
Summer is hot.
Humid and hot, muggy. Very common in Japanese summers.
Intense heat, heatwave. Often used in weather reports.
Using summer in set phrases for letters, cards, or conversation.
A summer greeting card sent during the hottest period (usually July to early August).
I send a summer greeting card.
A late-summer greeting card sent after the peak heat, typically from mid-August.
General summer greetings, often used in letters or emails.
I offer my summer greetings.
Both are read あつい. 暑い is used for weather/air temperature, while 熱い is for objects, food, or liquids that are hot to the touch. Using the wrong kanji can look odd.
When describing summer discomfort, 蒸し暑い (muggy) is often more accurate than just 暑い. Japanese summers are known for high humidity.
When does summer vacation start?
地元の夏祭りに行った。
I went to the local summer festival.
It's muggy today, isn't it?
The intense heat continues.
I write a late-summer greeting card.