Translation guide
A card sent during the summer to inquire about someone's health or to share seasonal greetings. In Japan, this is most commonly associated with 暑中見舞い (shochū mimai) sent during the hottest period, or 残暑見舞い (zansho mimai) sent after the traditional end of summer heat.
To express concern for someone's health during the hottest time of the year and to share seasonal greetings.
A summer greeting card sent during the hottest period, typically from around late July to August 7th. It is the standard term for a mid-summer greeting card.
暑中見舞いを送る時期は、梅雨明けから立秋までです。
The period for sending shochū mimai is from the end of the rainy season until the start of autumn (around August 7th).
今年も暑中見舞いをいただき、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for the summer greeting card again this year.
A formal phrase often written on the card itself, meaning 'I hope you are keeping well during this hot season.'
暑中お見舞い申し上げます。いかがお過ごしでしょうか。
I hope you are keeping well during this hot season. How have you been?
To send greetings after the traditional end of the summer heat, acknowledging the lingering warmth.
A greeting card sent after the start of autumn on the traditional calendar (around August 8th) but while the weather is still hot. It replaces 暑中見舞い after August 7th.
立秋を過ぎたら、暑中見舞いではなく残暑見舞いを送ります。
After the start of autumn, you send a zansho mimai instead of a shochū mimai.
残暑見舞いを出すのを忘れていました。
I forgot to send the late-summer greeting card.
Formal phrase written on a late-summer greeting card, meaning 'I hope you are well despite the lingering heat.'
残暑お見舞い申し上げます。厳しい暑さが続きますが、お体を大切に。
I hope you are well despite the lingering heat. Please take care of yourself as the severe heat continues.
To send a casual or non-traditional summer greeting without strict seasonal timing.
A general term for a summer greeting card, not bound by the traditional calendar. Can be used for casual or business purposes.
取引先に夏の挨拶状を送りました。
I sent summer greeting cards to our business clients.
A loanword from English, used in commercial contexts or for non-traditional cards. Not commonly used in daily conversation.
この店では、かわいいサマーグリーティングカードを売っています。
This shop sells cute summer greeting cards.
暑中見舞い is sent from the end of the rainy season (around mid-July) until August 7th (立秋). 残暑見舞い is sent from August 8th until around the end of August, or even into September if the heat persists. Sending the wrong type at the wrong time is considered a minor etiquette mistake.
8月8日以降は残暑見舞いを使います。
After August 8th, use zansho mimai.
Typical phrases include asking about the recipient's health, mentioning the heat, and wishing them well. For formal cards, use 申し上げます. For casual cards, you can simply write 暑中見舞い and a short message.