正月

• Reading: しょうがつ
• Romaji: shougatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 正 (shō) — correct, proper, first; 月 (gatsu) — month
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.ɡa.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

New Year; New Year's Day. The most important holiday period in Japan.

A noun referring to the Japanese New Year celebration, typically the first three days of January (三が日). During 正月, most businesses close and families gather. Traditions include visiting shrines (初詣), eating special food (おせち料理), and sending New Year cards (年賀状). One of the most culturally significant words at any JLPT level.

Examples

1. 正月は家族みんなで過ごします。 We spend New Year's with the whole family.
2. 去年の正月に京都のお寺に行きました。 Last New Year's, I went to a temple in Kyoto.
3. 正月の準備でスーパーがとても混んでいます。 The supermarket is really crowded with New Year's preparations.

Usage Guide

Context: holidays, traditions, seasons

Tone: festive

Origin & History

Combines 正 (correct/proper/first) and 月 (month). Literally 'the first month' or 'the proper month,' referring to the first month of the year and its associated celebrations.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal