週末 — meaning in English: weekend

shūmatsu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for weekend

教会

kyōkai

クラス

kurasu

時

toki

反乱

hanran

週末

shūmatsu

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Japanese speakers often use 週末 (shūmatsu) when discussing their plans for Saturday and Sunday. For example, you might hear friends discussing where to go for a weekend getaway or co-workers talking about their weekend activities at the office on Monday.

Synonyms & nuances

While 週末 (shūmatsu) refers specifically to Saturday and Sunday, another term, 休み (yasumi), can mean 'holiday' or 'day off' and isn't limited to the weekend. You would choose 週末 when specifically referring to weekend plans as it captures that distinct time period.

Culture

The term 週末 (shūmatsu) literally means 'week end', with 週 (shū) meaning 'week' and 末 (matsu) meaning 'end'. In Japanese culture, weekends are often a time for family gatherings, leisure activities, and recreational outings, reflecting the importance of work-life balance in society. Interestingly, the concept of 'weekend' was influenced by Western culture, particularly during the Meiji Restoration when Japan began to adopt many Western practices.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 週末 in Japanese?

週末 is pronounced as shūmatsu. The 'shū' sounds like 'shoe', and 'matsu' rhymes with 'cat sue'.

Q.Is 週末 always the same as Saturday and Sunday?

Yes, 週末 generally refers to the weekend, which is Saturday and Sunday. However, in some contexts, it may also refer to any designated weekend period, depending on the region's work week.

Q.Can I use 週末 in formal situations?

Absolutely! 週末 is a neutral term, so it's appropriate in both casual conversations and more formal contexts. Just make sure to adjust your speech for politeness as needed.

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