立春
Meanings
1
first day of spring (lunisolar calendar)
Refers to the beginning of spring in the traditional 二十四節気 (24 solar terms), around February 4. Commonly used in calendars, seasonal greetings, and cultural contexts.
See also: 二十四節気
This year's first day of spring (by the traditional calendar) is February 4th.
Even after the start of spring, cold days continue.
Usage patterns
- 〈時〉は立春を迎えるto reach/arrive at the first day of spring
Today, the Japanese archipelago reached the first day of spring.
- 立春の候opening seasonal greeting phrase in formal letters, meaning "in this season of early spring"
As we enter the season of early spring, how have you been?
- 暦の上では立春だがused to note that although the calendar says it's the first day of spring, the weather still feels wintry
According to the calendar it's already the first day of spring, but the cold weather continues.