８月

• Reading: はちがつ
• Romaji: hachigatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 八 (hachi) — eight; 月 (gatsu/tsuki) — month
• Pronunciation: /ha.tɕi.ɡa.tsɯ/

Meaning

August. The eighth month of the year.

Formed by combining 八 (hachi, eight) with 月 (gatsu, month). August is the hottest month in Japan and the peak of summer vacation. Many people return to their hometowns for the Obon holiday (お盆), honouring ancestors. Fireworks festivals are held throughout the country.

Examples

1. ８月はとても暑いです。 August is very hot.
2. ８月にお盆の休みがあります。 There is an Obon holiday in August.
3. 毎年８月に花火大会を見に行きます。 Every year I go to see the fireworks festival in August.

Usage Guide

Context: calendar, summer, Obon

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Numerical month system: 八 (hachi, eight) + 月 (gatsu, month). The old poetic name for August was 葉月 (hazuki), meaning 'month of leaves,' as trees begin to lose their leaves.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal