Translation and Meaning of: 祭日 - saijitsu

The Japanese word 祭日 (さいじつ - saijitsu) is a term that sparks curiosity both for its meaning and cultural use in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding what this word represents can enrich your knowledge about festivals and holidays in the country. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in everyday Japanese life.

In addition to being a useful word for those who want to expand their vocabulary, 祭日 also carries an interesting historical and social context. We will see how it differs from other similar words and in which situations it is more common to hear the Japanese use it. If you've ever wondered how to memorize it or why it appears in certain celebrations, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and translation of 祭日

祭日, written as saijitsu, is often translated as "festival day" or "religious holiday." Unlike 祝日 (shukujitsu), which refers to official national holidays, 祭日 is more linked to traditional celebrations, often associated with Shinto shrines or local events. This distinction is important for those who want to use the term correctly in Japan.

It is worth noting that, although in the past 祭日 was used to designate national holidays, after World War II, the Japanese government officially adopted 祝日 for that purpose. Today, 祭日 appears more in regional or religious contexts, such as harvest festivals or ancestral ceremonies. If you visit Japan during Obon or Setsubun, for example, you may hear this word being used.

Origin and cultural use of 祭日

The origin of 祭日 dates back to the period when Shinto and agricultural rituals had a significant influence on the Japanese calendar. The first kanji, 祭 (matsuri), means "festival" or "worship," while the second, 日 (hi/jitsu), represents "day." Together, they form a term that reflects the importance of celebrations in the everyday life of ancient Japan.

Currently, 祭日 is still used in smaller cities or at events that maintain secular traditions. While in Tokyo or Osaka people may refer more to 祝日, in places like Kyoto or Nara, where local festivals are more preserved, 祭日 remains a relevant term. If you are learning Japanese, understanding this context helps to know when and where to use it.

Tips for memorizing and using 祭日

An effective way to remember the meaning of 祭日 is to associate it with images of Japanese festivals, such as Gion Matsuri or Nebuta Matsuri. Since the kanji 祭 appears in various words related to celebrations, creating this visual connection makes memorization easier. Another tip is to practice with sentences like "今日は祭日です" (today is a festival day) to reinforce the term.

Additionally, pay attention when you hear 祭日 in animes or dramas that depict rural life or traditional events. Series like "Non Non Biyori" or "Hyouka" may provide examples of the everyday use of this word. If you enjoy flashcards, including 祭日 in your Anki deck with real examples is a great strategy to reinforce learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 休日 (Kyūjitsu) - Day off
• 国民の休日 (Kokumin no Kyūjitsu) - National holiday
• 祝日 (Shukujitsu) - Holiday (general)
• 記念日 (Kinenbi) - Commemorative date
• 祭りの日 (Matsuri no Hi) - Festival day
• 祭礼日 (Saireibi) - Day of the festive rite
• 祭りの祝日 (Matsuri no Shukujitsu) - Festival holiday
• 祭りの休日 (Matsuri no Kyūjitsu) - Festival day off
• 祭りの記念日 (Matsuri no Kinenbi) - Commemorative date of the festival

祭日

Romaji: saijitsu
Kana: さいじつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: National Holidations; festival day

Meaning in English: national holiday;festival day

Definition: A holiday reserved to celebrate a specific event.

Example Sentences - (祭日) saijitsu

See below some example sentences:

祭日は国民の休日です。

Saijitsu wa kokumin no kyūjitsu desu

Holidays are days of rest for citizens.

Holidays are national holidays.

• 祭日 - Holiday
• は - Topic marking particle
• 国民 - people/national
• の - Possession particle
• 休日 - Day off
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present