夏 — meaning in English: summer

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

Guess the translation for summer

モチベーション

mochibēshon

夏

natsu

修正

shūsei

雇用

koyō

道路

dōro

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 夏 (natsu) when discussing plans for the summer season, such as summer vacations and festivals. For example, you might hear friends excitedly talking about going to a beach in summer or planning a summer fireworks festival.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 暑い (atsui), which means 'hot.' While 暑い describes the temperature, 夏 (natsu) refers specifically to the season itself. You would choose 夏 when talking about the time of year, while 暑い is better suited for describing the weather.

Culture

The word 夏 (natsu) is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, often associated with traditional summer festivals like Hanabi Taikai (fireworks festivals) and Obon, a festival honoring deceased ancestors. Interestingly, the character 夏 is also used in other East Asian languages with similar meanings, showcasing the shared cultural connections in the region.

FAQ

Q.What does 夏 mean in English?

The word 夏 (natsu) translates to 'summer' in English, referring to the warmest season of the year.

Q.How do you use 夏 in a sentence?

You can use 夏 in sentences like '夏が来ました' (Natsu ga kimashita), which means 'Summer has come.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 夏?

One common mistake is confusing 夏 with other seasonal words like 春 (haru) for spring or 秋 (aki) for autumn. Make sure to use 夏 specifically when talking about the summer season.

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