４月

• Reading: しがつ
• Romaji: shigatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 四 (shi/yon) — four; 月 (gatsu/tsuki) — month
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ɡa.tsɯ/

Meaning

April. The fourth month of the year.

Uses the special reading し (shi) for 四, not よん (yon). April is the start of the academic and fiscal year in Japan, making it one of the most significant months. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and new students and employees begin their journeys.

Examples

1. 日本の学校は４月に始まります。 The school year starts in April in Japan.
2. ４月は桜がとてもきれいです。 The cherry blossoms are very beautiful in April.
3. ４月から新しいクラスになります。 I'll be in a new class starting in April.

Usage Guide

Context: calendar, school year, cherry blossoms

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Numerical month system: 四 (shi, four) + 月 (gatsu, month). The old poetic name for April was 卯月 (uzuki), named after the deutzia flowers that bloom in this month.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal