also: ひとき
noun, adverb
one season; a single season
Refers to one of the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter). Can be used as a noun or adverbially.
この花は一季だけ咲く。
This flower blooms for only one season.
noun, adverb
one year; a single year
Especially used for a one-year term of employment or service during the Edo period. Often contrasted with 半季 (half a year).
See also: 半季
江戸時代、奉公人は一季の契約で働くことがあった。
In the Edo period, servants sometimes worked on a one-year contract.
半季 means 'half a year' or 'half a season', often used in similar historical employment contexts.
Compound of 一 (one) and 季 (season). The reading いっき is standard; ひとき uses the native Japanese reading for 一.