五月病(ごがつびょう)

ごがつびょう
noun
May blues; post-vacation depression
1. May blues; a state of lethargy or depression affecting new employees and students in May
a form of adjustment disorder common in Japan, occurring around May when the initial excitement of a new job or school year wears off and reality sets in after the Golden Week holiday
新入社員(しんにゅうしゃいん)は五月病(ごがつびょう)になりやすい。
New employees are prone to May blues.
ゴールデンウィーク明(あ)けに五月病(ごがつびょう)になった。
I got the May blues after Golden Week ended.
五月病(ごがつびょう)を防(ふせ)ぐには、無理(むり)をせず休養(きゅうよう)を取(と)ることが大事(だいじ)だ。
To prevent May blues, it's important to rest and not push yourself too hard.

FORMATION:
五月(ごがつ) (May) + 病(びょう) (illness) → May sickness

CULTURAL CONTEXT:

In Japan, the fiscal and academic year begins in April. By May, after the long Golden Week holiday ({ゴールデンウィーク}), new employees and students often experience:

  • Loss of motivation
  • Fatigue and exhaustion
  • Difficulty adjusting to new environment
  • Feelings of inadequacy

SYMPTOMS:

  • やる気(き)が出(で)ない (lack of motivation)
  • 疲(つか)れやすい (easily tired)
  • 食欲(しょくよく)がない (loss of appetite)
  • 眠(ねむ)れない (insomnia)

RELATED TERMS:

  • 適応障害(てきおうしょうがい) (adjustment disorder)
  • 燃(も)え尽(つ)き症候群(しょうこうぐん) (burnout syndrome)
  • 新生活(しんせいかつ) (new life/lifestyle)
general
Added 2026.1.26 13:16
08000/08332_gogatsubyou