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一月

January


Meaning

January

Word Type

noun

Explanation

Since the kanji 月 mean both moon and month (because a moon cycle is about a month, presumably), what is the number one month? In English we have an actual name for it, and that name is January.


Reading

いちがつ

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. 月 has two on'yomi readings, but it always uses the がつ reading in the names of the months, so here's a mnemonic to help you remember that: January always gives you itchy guts (いちがつ). It's a weird affliction that comes around every January and makes your guts incredibly itchy. Probably due to all that overindulgence over the new year.


Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 一月のメニュー

    January's menu

    一月のふじ山

    Mt. Fuji in January

    一月のセール

    January sale

  • 一月九日

    January 9

    一月八日

    January 8

    一月一日

    January 1

Context Sentences

ウェディングパーティーは一月でした。

The wedding reception was in January.

一月は、デザイナーとのミーティングがある。

In January, we have a meeting with the designer.

一月には、このホテルを出て行くことにしたよ。

I decided to leave this hotel in January.


Kanji Composition