初冬(しょとう)

しょとう
noun
early winter; beginning of winter
time-seasontime-general
1. early winter; beginning of winter
the early part of winter, typically referring to November to early December in Japan
初冬(しょとう)の寒(さむ)さが身(み)にしみる。
The early winter cold pierces the body.
初冬(しょとう)には紅葉(こうよう)がまだ残(のこ)っている。
In early winter, the autumn leaves are still lingering.
初冬(しょとう)の候(こう)、皆様(みなさま)いかがお過(す)ごしでしょうか。
In this early winter season, how is everyone doing?

Compounds

初(しょ) (beginning/first) + 冬(とう) (winter)

Usage

Also read はつふゆ, a softer, more literary reading. Typically refers to November to early December in Japan, when autumn transitions to winter.

Register

初冬(しょとう)の候(こう) is used in formal letters and correspondence during early winter.

Cultural note

Japanese traditionally divides winter (冬(ふゆ)) into:

  • 初冬(しょとう) - early winter (November)
  • 仲冬(ちゅうとう) - mid-winter (December)
  • 晩冬(ばんとう) - late winter (January)

Related words

Related Words

Related: 晩秋(ばんしゅう) (late autumn)
Related: 厳冬(げんとう) (severe winter)
Related: 真冬(まふゆ) (midwinter)
Related: 木枯(こが)らし (cold wintry wind)
general
Added 2026.1.28 11:51 · Revised 2026.9.28 18:39
08500/08712_shotou