Meaning
season; time of year
Nuance & Usage
季節 refers to the four seasons (四季 — shiki). Japan is well known for its distinct seasons: 春 (haru — spring), 夏 (natsu — summer), 秋 (aki — autumn), 冬 (fuyu — winter). Seasonal expressions are deeply embedded in Japanese culture, food, and aesthetics (seasonal ingredients, flowers, festivals). Common phrases: 季節の変わり目 (kisetsu no kawarime — the change of seasons), 季節感 (seasonal atmosphere/feeling), 旬 (shun — in-season ingredient).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 季節 (season as a time period) with 旬 (shun — peak season specifically for food ingredients). 旬の食材 means ingredients at their seasonal peak. Also: when talking about weather, 季節 describes the general season, while 天気 (tenki) describes specific day-to-day weather. Don't say この季節の天気が好き when you mean この季節が好き (I like this season).
Example Sentences
日本には四つの季節があり、それぞれに美しさがあります。
にほんにはよっつのきせつがあり、それぞれにうつくしさがあります。
Japan has four seasons, each with its own beauty.
秋は一番好きな季節です。
あきはいちばんすきなきせつです。
Autumn is my favorite season.
季節の変わり目は体調を崩しやすいので気をつけてください。
きせつのかわりめはたいちょうをくずしやすいのできをつけてください。
Please be careful, as you are prone to getting sick at the change of seasons.
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