Translation guide
In Japanese, 'last month' is most commonly expressed with the word 先月 (せんげつ). There are also other expressions like 前月 (ぜんげつ) used in formal or business contexts, and 去月 (きょげつ) which is more literary. The choice depends on formality and context.
Referring to the calendar month immediately preceding the current month.
The standard, neutral word for 'last month'. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
先月、日本に行きました。
I went to Japan last month.
先月の売上は好調でした。
Last month's sales were strong.
A more formal term, often used in business, reports, or official documents. It can also mean 'the previous month' relative to a reference point.
A literary or formal term for 'last month'. Rarely used in modern conversation; may appear in written correspondence or older texts.
去月の手紙、ありがとうございました。
Thank you for your letter of last month.
先月 is the everyday word. 前月 is formal and often used in business or statistical contexts (e.g., 前月比 'month-on-month'). 去月 is literary and rarely used in speech.
前月比で売上が10％増加しました。
Sales increased by 10% compared to the previous month.