Translation guide
The warmest season of the year. In Japanese, the word 夏 (なつ) is the standard translation. This guide covers how to talk about summer, including seasonal greetings, activities, and expressions.
夏
summer
Referring to the season itself, typically June to August in Japan.
The most common and general word for summer.
夏が好きです。
I like summer.
今年の夏はとても暑い。
This summer is very hot.
A more formal term for the summer season, often used in official or written contexts.
夏季休暇を取ります。
I will take summer vacation.
Refers to a summer period or term, such as a school semester or business quarter.
夏期講習に参加する。
I will attend a summer course.
Talking about things you do in summer, like festivals, swimming, or travel.
Use the particle に after 夏 to indicate when an action takes place.
夏に海へ行きます。
I go to the beach in summer.
夏に花火大会があります。
There is a fireworks festival in summer.
Summer vacation or holiday, especially for students.
夏休みはいつからですか？
When does summer vacation start?
Summer festival, a common cultural event.
Talking about the heat, humidity, and other characteristics of summer.
Hot (for weather). Be careful not to confuse with 熱い (あつい, hot to the touch).
夏は暑いです。
Summer is hot.
Humid and hot, muggy. Very common in Japanese summers.
Intense heat, heatwave. Often used in weather reports.
Using summer in set phrases for letters, cards, or conversation.
A summer greeting card sent during the hottest period (usually July to early August).
暑中見舞いを送る。
I send a summer greeting card.
A late-summer greeting card sent after the peak heat, typically from mid-August.
General summer greetings, often used in letters or emails.
夏の挨拶を申し上げます。
I offer my summer greetings.
Both are read あつい. 暑い is used for weather/air temperature, while 熱い is for objects, food, or liquids that are hot to the touch. Using the wrong kanji can look odd.
When describing summer discomfort, 蒸し暑い (muggy) is often more accurate than just 暑い. Japanese summers are known for high humidity.
地元の夏祭りに行った。
I went to the local summer festival.
今日は蒸し暑いね。
It's muggy today, isn't it?
The intense heat continues.
残暑見舞いを書く。
I write a late-summer greeting card.