1.
the four seasons; spring, summer, autumn, and winter
A literary and formal way to refer to all four seasons as a group. Used to express the full cycle of the year and seasonal changes.
Usage
春夏秋冬 is a four-character compound (四字熟語) listing the seasons in order: 春 (spring), 夏 (summer), 秋 (autumn), 冬 (winter). The on'yomi reading gives it a literary, elevated tone.
This expression is often used in contexts emphasizing the beauty and distinctness of Japan's seasonal changes, a recurring theme in Japanese culture.
Common collocations
- 春夏秋冬を通じて (throughout all four seasons)
- 春夏秋冬を楽しむ (enjoy all four seasons)
- 春夏秋冬の移り変わり (the changing of the seasons)
The expression 四季 (four seasons) is the more common everyday synonym. 春夏秋冬 sounds more poetic and is preferred in literary, travel, and cultural contexts.