There's a meeting right after the long weekend.
The sky at dawn is beautiful.
I woke up at dawn.
noun, used as a suffix, noun, used as a prefix
end; just after something ends
Used as a suffix or prefix to indicate the end of a period or event, or the time immediately following it. Common in words like 休み明け (after a break) or 明けの春 (spring just after winter).
It's always busy right after a holiday.
I hung out with friends after the exams ended.
noun, used as a suffix, noun, used as a prefix
beginning (of a new year, month, etc.)
Used as a suffix or prefix to mark the start of a new period, especially in temporal contexts. Examples: 年明け (start of the new year), 明けの春 (early spring).
I go to the first shrine visit of the new year.
Early spring is still cold.
We're planning a trip for early spring, just after winter ends.
He worked from dawn till dusk.
sunset; dusk; nightfall · end; close · year-end; end of the year
dawn; daybreak
beginning of the year; early in the New Year
dawn; daybreak
confide; reveal; open up
morning and evening; daily routine · spend all one's time doing; do day in, day out · all the time; always; constantly
vacate; surrender; give up; hand over
spend all one's time doing; do nothing but; be absorbed in · pass (of days); go by
frank; open; outspoken; unreserved
beginning of next week; early next week
Standard kanji form for all senses.
Kana spelling is common in informal writing and when used as a suffix.
Derived from the continuative form (連用形) of the verb 明ける (akeru, 'to dawn, to end'). The kanji 明 combines 日 (sun) and 月 (moon), suggesting brightness.
end of the rainy season
beginning of spring; end of the cold season
expiration of a term of service
dawn; daybreak
end of mourning period
day off; off duty
sumo luggage trunk; wicker basket for wrestler's gear
dawn; daybreak
just after Obon; the period immediately after Obon