Translation and Meaning of: 満月 - mangetsu

The Japanese word 「満月」 (mangetsu) refers to the celestial phenomenon known as the full moon. This term is composed of two kanji: 「満」 (man), which means "full" or "complete," and 「月」 (tsuki), which means "moon" or "month." When combined, these characters describe the phase of the lunar cycle in which the moon is fully illuminated by sunlight, being visible in its entirety in the night sky.

The kanji 「満」 has a rich etymology, deriving from the "water" radical 氵, which often suggests fullness or satisfaction when combined with other characters. This reflects the idea of something that is completely full or saturated. On the other hand, the kanji 「月」 is quite direct in its representation of the moon, one of the celestial bodies most observed and referenced in various cultures throughout history.

The origin of the term 「満月」 dates back to the observation and worship of the moon in Japanese traditions. The full moon holds a deep cultural significance in Japan, where festivities such as Tsukimi celebrate the beauty of this lunar event. During Tsukimi, people gather to contemplate the moon, offering rice dumplings called dango as a form of gratitude or respect.

In addition to the celebrations, the full moon plays an important role in astrology and the Japanese agricultural calendar, marking harvest times and influencing agricultural and fishing practices. In some spiritual and philosophical practices, the full moon is viewed as a symbol of enlightenment and completion, reflecting balance and harmony in nature.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 満月 (mangetsu) - Full moon
• フルムーン (furumuun) - Full moon

満月

Romaji: mangetsu
Kana: まんげつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Full moon

Meaning in English: full moon

Definition: When the moon is full.