Translation and Meaning of: 夏 - natsu

The Japanese word 夏[なつ] carries not only a literal meaning but also a rich cultural atmosphere. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding how this word is used in everyday life can be fascinating. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic meaning to cultural aspects and practical memorization tips.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find that 夏 means "summer," but there is much more behind this simple translation. How does it appear in common expressions? What is its origin? And how do the Japanese perceive it in different contexts? Let’s answer these and other questions clearly and directly.

Meaning and use of 夏[なつ]

In its most basic form, 夏 refers to the summer season, characterized by hot days, traditional festivals, and vibrant landscapes in Japan. Unlike the Brazilian tropical summer, the 日本のなつ is associated with high humidity, the rainy season (tsuyu) at the beginning, and events such as the famous Obon festival.

This word often appears in everyday conversations, especially when discussing vacation plans, weather, or seasonal foods. Phrases like "夏が好きです" (I like summer) or "夏休み" (summer vacation) are common examples. It's worth noting that, although simple, the term carries a strong emotional weight for the Japanese, tied to childhood memories and seasonal traditions.

Origin and writing of the kanji 夏

The kanji 夏 has an interesting history. Its current form derives from ancient Chinese characters that represented a person performing a ritual dance, possibly linked to harvest celebrations in the heat of summer. Over time, the writing was simplified, but it retained this connection to human activities during the warmer months.

As for the components of the kanji, it is not considered an independent radical, but contains elements such as "夊" (slow step) and "頁" (head), which together suggest the idea of movement under the strong sun. This breakdown can assist in memorization, especially for students who are learning to write more complex characters.

Summer in Japanese culture

In Japan, summer is not just a climatic season, but a period full of cultural meanings. Festivals like Tanabata, fireworks (花火), and the consumption of specific foods like kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) are inseparable from the concept of なつ. These traditions frequently appear in animes, dramas, and literature, reinforcing the cultural significance of the word.

Interestingly, the Japanese summer is also tied to certain superstitions. For example, it is believed that eating unagi (eel) during the hottest days provides resistance to the heat. These small details show how 夏 goes beyond a simple dictionary definition, permeating various aspects of life in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 夏季 (Natsu-ki) - Summer, summer season
• 夏天 (Natsu-ten) - Summer, hot weather
• 夏日 (Natsu-bi) - Summer day
• 夏季期間 (Natsu-ki kikan) - Duration of summer
• 夏令 (Natsu-rei) - Summer rules
• 夏季休暇 (Natsu-ki kyūka) - Summer holidays
• 夏日时节 (Natsu-bi shijie) - Summer days season
• 夏日休假 (Natsu-bi kyūka) - Summer vacation
• 夏日假期 (Natsu-bi kyakki) - Summer vacation periods
• 夏日度假 (Natsu-bi dojyaku) - Summer holidays
• 夏日旅游 (Natsu-bi ryokō) - Summer trip
• 夏日旅行 (Natsu-bi ryokū) - Summer trip
• 夏日游玩 (Natsu-bi yūwan) - Summer recreational activities
• 夏日娱乐 (Natsu-bi en'tai) - Summer entertainment
• 夏日消遣 (Natsu-bi shōken) - Summer tour
• 夏日活动 (Natsu-bi katsudō) - Summer activities
• 夏日运动 (Natsu-bi undō) - Summer sports
• 夏日体育 (Natsu-bi taiiku) - Summer physical education
• 夏日比赛 (Natsu-bi bīsai) - Summer contests
• 夏日赛事 (Natsu-bi saisai) - Summer events
• 夏日节目 (Natsu-bi jiemu) - Summer programs
• 夏日演出 (Natsu-bi yanchu) - Summer presentations
• 夏日音乐会 (Natsu-bi on'gaku kai) - Summer music concerts
• 夏日舞台剧 (Natsu-bi butai-geki) - Summer theater
• 夏日电影 (Natsu-bi dēi) - Summer movies
• 夏日展览 (Natsu-bi tenran) - Summer exhibitions
• 夏日博览会 (Natsu-bi hakuran kai) - Summer festivals
• 夏日庆 (Natsu-bi qing) - Summer celebrations

夏

Romaji: natsu
Kana: なつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: summer

Meaning in English: summer

Definition: Summer: Hot season, summer.

Example Sentences - (夏) natsu

See below some example sentences:

私たちは別荘で夏休みを過ごしました。

Watashitachi wa bessou de natsuyasumi o sugoshimashita

We spend the summer vacation in a country house.

We spend summer holidays in the village.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 別荘で - location "in the country house"
• 夏休みを - summer vacation" period
• 過ごしました - verb "passamos"

去年の夏はとても暑かったです。

Kyonen no natsu wa totemo atsukatta desu

Last summer was very hot.

It was very hot last summer.

• 去年 - Last year
• の - Possession particle
• 夏 - summer
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 暑かった - hot
• です - polite way of being

やっと夏休みが始まった。

Yatto natsuyasumi ga hajimatta

Finally the summer vacation has started.

Summer vacation has finally started.

• やっと - finally
• 夏休み - Summer holidays
• が - subject particle
• 始まった - começou

この街は毎年夏祭りで賑わう。

Kono machi wa maitoshi natsu matsuri de nigiwau

This city gets excited every year with the summer festival.

This city is crowded every year in the summer festival.

• この街 - this city
• は - Topic particle
• 毎年 - Every year
• 夏祭り - summer festival
• で - Location particle
• 賑わう - be excited, busy

一昨年の夏に日本を訪れました。

Issakunen no natsu ni Nihon wo otozuremashita

I visited Japan two years ago.

• 一昨年 - "the year before last", i.e. "the year before last"
• の - Possession particle
• 夏 - "summer"
• に - particle of time
• 日本 - Japan
• を - direct object particle
• 訪れました - "visited"

今年は暑い夏だった。

Kotoshi wa atsui natsu datta

This year was a hot summer.

• 今年 - This year
• は - Topic particle
• 暑い - hot
• 夏 - summer
• だった - past of the verb "to be"

夏は暑いです。

Natsu wa atsui desu

Summer is hot.

Summer is hot.

• 夏 (natsu) - summer
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 暑い (atsui) - hot
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

待ち遠しい夏休みが始まる。

Machi tooshii natsu yasumi ga hajimaru

I'm looking forward to the summer break.

The long summer vacation begins.

• 待ち遠しい - anxiously awaiting
• 夏休み - Summer holidays
• が - subject particle
• 始まる - start

肌着は夏にも冬にも必要なアイテムです。

Hadagi wa natsu ni mo fuyu ni mo hitsuyou na aitemu desu

Underwear is a necessary item in summer and winter.

• 肌着 - underwear
• 夏 - summer
• 冬 - Winter
• 必要 - necessary
• アイテム - item
• です - is