１月

• Reading: いちがつ
• Romaji: ichigatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi) — one; 月 (gatsu/tsuki) — month
• Pronunciation: /i.tɕi.ɡa.tsɯ/

Meaning

January. The first month of the year.

Japanese months are numbered rather than named — １月 simply means 'month one.' This makes the system very logical and easy to learn. January holds special significance as the month of New Year (お正月), the most important holiday in Japan.

Examples

1. １月１日はお正月です。 January 1st is New Year's Day.
2. １月はとても寒いです。 January is very cold.
3. 日本では１月に成人式があります。 In Japan, there's a Coming of Age ceremony in January.

Usage Guide

Context: calendar, New Year, seasons

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A straightforward numerical system: 一 (ichi, one) + 月 (gatsu, month). Japan adopted this numbering system from China, replacing older poetic month names like 睦月 (mutsuki).

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal