1.
New Year, New Year's
The first month of the year, especially the first few days.
正月は店が休みだ。
Stores are closed during New Year's.
お正月に神社に行った。
I went to a shrine for New Year's.
正月は家族と過ごします。
I spend New Year's with my family.
正月には親戚が集まって食事をする。
During New Year's, relatives gather and have a meal together.
正月は仕事が休みなので、久しぶりに実家に帰って家族と過ごした。
Since work was off during New Year's, I went back to my hometown after a long time and spent it with my family.
正月 refers to the New Year period, the most important holiday season in Japan.
POLITE FORM:
Often prefixed with お as お正月 in polite speech.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- お正月を迎える: to welcome the New Year
- 正月休み: New Year's holiday
- 正月料理: New Year's cuisine (おせち)
- 正月飾り: New Year's decorations
CULTURE:
Typically refers to January 1-3 (三が日). Families gather, visit shrines (初詣), eat special foods, and give children お年玉 (money gifts). Many businesses close during this period.