秋分(しゅうぶん)

しゅうぶん
noun
autumnal equinox
time-generalculture
See also: 春分(しゅんぶん) (vernal equinox)
1. autumnal equinox
The time in September when day and night are approximately equal in length, marking the midpoint of autumn.
秋分(しゅうぶん)の日(ひ)は祝日(しゅくじつ)だ。
The autumnal equinox is a national holiday.
秋分(しゅうぶん)を過(す)ぎると、日(ひ)が短(みじか)くなる。
After the autumnal equinox, the days get shorter.
秋分(しゅうぶん)の日(ひ)は毎年(まいとし)9月(がつ)22日(にち)か23日(にち)ごろになる。
The autumnal equinox falls around September 22nd or 23rd every year.

A compound of 秋(あき) (autumn) and 分(ぶん) (division, equinox). Refers to the astronomical event when the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south.

Cultural note

秋分(しゅうぶん)の日(ひ) (Autumnal Equinox Day) is a national holiday in Japan. It falls during 秋(あき)の彼岸(ひがん) (the autumn equinox week), when people visit family graves, clean them, and offer おはぎ (rice balls coated in sweet bean paste).

Common collocations

  • 秋分(しゅうぶん)の日(ひ) — Autumnal Equinox Day (national holiday)
  • 秋分(しゅうぶん)点(てん) — autumnal equinox point (astronomical term)

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 彼岸(ひがん) (equinox week)
Related: 夏至(げし) (summer solstice)
general
Added 2026.3.26 20:41 · Revised 2026.9.8 21:48
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