春
Meanings
The season between winter and summer. Can be used adverbially as in 春になる or 春が来る.
This spring is warm, isn't it?
Let's go cherry-blossom viewing when spring comes.
New Year; spring (as the start of the year)
Refers to the New Year period, especially in the traditional lunar calendar where spring marks the beginning of the year. Often used in poetic or formal contexts.
As we welcome the New Year, I wish you all good health.
Metaphorical use referring to the most flourishing period of life or career. Common in expressions like 人生の春.
He is now in the prime of his life.
Specifically refers to the period of youth and sexual awakening. Often used in literary or psychological contexts.
Adolescence is a time when the mind and body undergo great changes.
Euphemistic or literary term for sexual feelings or activity. Often appears in compounds like 春をひさぐ (to sell sex).
The novel contains many descriptions suggestive of sexuality.
Usage patterns
- 春が来るspring comes
Spring has finally come.
- 〈人〉の春the prime/heyday of someone's life
For him, now is the prime of his life.
- 春をひさぐto sell one's body; to engage in prostitution
Some women sold their bodies because of poverty.
- 春を迎えるto welcome/greet the spring
The new school year begins as spring arrives.
- 春を謳歌するto fully enjoy one's prime/youth
She is fully enjoying the prime of her youth right now.