Meaning

Primary

February

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji means both month and moon (because moon cycles take about a month, presumably). So, what is the number two month? It's not January... it's not March... it's February!

Reading

にがつ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. has two on'yomi readings, but since this is a specific month name, it's going to use the がつ reading. Here's a mnemonic to help you remember that:

February is the month when somebody gives you a knee in the guts (にがつ). A complete stranger comes around each February just to knee you right in the guts. Kind of a jerk move, but hey — everyone's got their own way of dealing with the wintertime blues, right?

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 二月七日

    February 7

    二月三日

    February 3

    二月六日

    February 6

Context Sentences

バレンタインデーは二月だよ。

Valentine's Day is in February.

日本の二月は中々さむいですよ。

February in Japan is quite cold.

二月はコートとジャケットのセールがたくさんあります。

There are lots of sales for coats and jackets in February.

Kanji Composition