Translation guide
The four seasons in Japanese are expressed with the set phrase 四季 (shiki), often used in poetic or formal contexts. In daily conversation, people usually refer to the seasons individually or use 春夏秋冬 (shunkashūtō) when listing them.
Referring to the cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter as a whole, often in literary, artistic, or formal contexts.
The standard word for 'the four seasons'. Used in formal, written, and poetic contexts. Common in phrases like 四季折々 (shiki oriori, 'each of the four seasons').
日本には美しい四季があります。
Japan has beautiful four seasons.
四季の移り変わりを感じる。
Feel the changing of the four seasons.
Literally 'spring, summer, autumn, winter'. Used when listing the seasons explicitly, often in educational or explanatory contexts. Slightly more concrete than 四季.
春夏秋冬、それぞれの季節に楽しみがある。
Spring, summer, autumn, winter — each season has its own pleasures.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers rarely use a single word for 'the four seasons'. Instead, they refer to the seasons individually or use phrases like 季節 (kisetsu, 'season(s)').
In everyday speech, it's more natural to say 季節 (season/seasons) or mention specific seasons rather than using 四季, which can sound formal or poetic.
季節によって食べ物が違います。
Food varies depending on the season.
春、夏、秋、冬、どの季節が好き？
Spring, summer, autumn, winter — which season do you like?
四季 (shiki) is the abstract concept of the four seasons, often used in literature and formal writing. 春夏秋冬 (shunkashūtō) is a concrete listing of the four season names, used when you want to emphasize each one individually. In daily conversation, neither is very common; people usually say 季節 (kisetsu) or name the specific season.
Using 四季 in a casual chat about the weather can sound overly poetic or stiff. Stick to 季節 or just say 春、夏、秋、冬.
日本の四季が大好きです。
I love the four seasons in Japan.
Natural when expressing appreciation for the seasonal cycle.
ここは四季がはっきりしています。
The four seasons are distinct here.