also: いやおい
noun
third month of the lunar calendar
Obsolete term for the third month of the old lunar calendar, roughly corresponding to April in the modern calendar.
旧暦の弥生は、今の三月下旬から四月下旬にあたる。
The old lunar calendar's Yayoi corresponds to late March through late April today.
noun
Historical term for the Japanese archaeological period (ca. 300 BCE–300 CE) and its associated culture, known for the introduction of wet-rice agriculture and metal tools.
See also: 弥生時代
弥生時代には稲作が広まった。
Rice cultivation spread during the Yayoi period.
この土器は弥生文化の特徴をよく示している。
This pottery clearly shows the characteristics of Yayoi culture.
noun
thick growth (of grass, etc.)
Only with reading いやおい
Archaic meaning, used only with the reading いやおい. Not used in modern Japanese.
古語では「いやおい」が草木の茂りを意味した。
In old Japanese, 'iyaoi' meant thick growth of plants.
Kana spelling is sometimes used, especially in contexts where the kanji might be unfamiliar.
The origin of the word is uncertain. It is traditionally associated with the phrase 弥生 (iyaoi) meaning 'more and more growth' in reference to spring vegetation, but the exact derivation is unclear.