お盆
Meanings
1
Obon; Bon Festival
A Buddhist festival to honor ancestral spirits, typically observed in mid-August (or mid-July in some regions). Often involves visiting family graves and traditional dances.
During Obon, the whole family goes to visit the grave.
This year's Obon is from August 13th to 16th.
2
Polite form of 盆 (ぼん). Used when referring to a tray in a respectful or formal context.
See also: 盆
I carried the tea on a tray.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉にお盆に帰るto return to (a place) during the Obon holiday
I'm planning to go back to my parents' home during Obon.
- お盆に〈物〉を乗せるto put something on a tray
I brought the tea on a tray.
- お盆に墓参りをするto visit the family grave during Obon
Many people visit their family graves during Obon.
- お盆で〈物〉を運ぶto carry something on a tray
I carry the dishes on a tray.