春

• Reading: はる
• Romaji: haru
• Kanji breakdown: 春 (shun/haru) — spring, springtime
• Pronunciation: /ha.ɾɯ/

Meaning

Spring; springtime. The season from March to May in Japan.

One of the four seasons: 春 (spring), 夏 (summer), 秋 (autumn), 冬 (winter). Spring is deeply cherished in Japanese culture for its cherry blossoms (桜). It also marks the beginning of the school year and fiscal year in April, making it a season of new starts and fresh beginnings.

Examples

1. 春になると桜が咲きます。 When spring comes, the cherry blossoms bloom.
2. 春は暖かくて気持ちいいです。 Spring is warm and pleasant.
3. 今年の春に日本に行きたいです。 I want to go to Japan this spring.

Usage Guide

Context: seasons, cherry blossoms, new beginnings

Tone: warm

Origin & History

A native Japanese word (wago) with roots in Old Japanese. The kanji 春 depicts plants sprouting under the sun, symbolising the awakening of nature.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal