Raigetsu refers specifically to the calendar month immediately following the current one.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the month following the current month.
- Essential for discussing future plans and schedules.
- Part of the basic time-related vocabulary set.
Overview
- 1概要：「来月（らいげつ）」は、現在過ごしている月の次の月を指す名詞です。日本語の時間表現において非常に基本的かつ頻繁に使われる言葉です。2) 使用パターン：名詞として独立して使うほか、「来月の予定」「来月中に」のように他の名詞や助詞と組み合わせて使われます。時間軸を示す言葉なので、文の先頭や述語の直前に置かれることが一般的です。3) 一般的な文脈：ビジネスの予定調整、友人との約束、支払い期限の説明など、日常生活のあらゆる場面で登場します。特に「来月は何をしますか？」といった未来の計画を立てる会話で必須の語彙です。4) 類似語との比較：「来月」は「今月（こんげつ）」の次ですが、そのさらに次は「再来月（さらいげつ）」と言います。また、過去を指す場合は「先月（せんげつ）」を使います。これらの対比を覚えることで、時間的な位置関係がより正確に理解できるようになります。
Examples
来月、日本へ旅行に行きます。
everydayI am going to travel to Japan next month.
来月の会議の日程を調整してください。
formalPlease coordinate the schedule for next month's meeting.
来月、新しい仕事が始まるよ。
informalI'm starting a new job next month.
来月の統計データを確認する必要がある。
academicIt is necessary to check the statistical data for next month.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
来月また会いましょう
Let's meet again next month.
来月半ば
Middle of next month.
来月いっぱい
Throughout next month.
Often Confused With
Yokugetsu is a more formal, Sino-Japanese term often used in business or official documents, whereas Raigetsu is used in everyday conversation.
Saraigetsu refers to the month after next, while Raigetsu is the immediate next month.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Raigetsu is the standard term for 'next month' in almost all contexts. It is neutral in register, meaning it works well with friends, family, and colleagues. In very formal business writing, you might see 'yokugetsu', but 'raigetsu' remains perfectly acceptable.
Common Mistakes
Some learners confuse 'raigetsu' with 'raishu' (next week) or 'rainen' (next year). Ensure you are checking the time unit suffix: -getsu for month, -shu for week, and -nen for year. Do not use 'tsugi no tsuki' as it is less natural than 'raigetsu'.
Tips
Mastering Time-Related Nouns
Learn the set: Sengetsu (last month), Kongetsu (this month), and Raigetsu (next month). Grouping these together makes them much easier to memorize.
Avoid Confusion with Next Week
Remember that Raigetsu is for months. For next week, use Raishu instead.
Formal vs Informal Usage
While 'Raigetsu' is universal, using 'Yokugetsu' in formal business emails can sound more professional and precise.
Word Origin
The word is formed from the kanji '来' (coming) and '月' (month). It literally translates to 'the month that is coming'.
Cultural Context
Japanese people are very schedule-oriented. Planning for 'raigetsu' is a standard part of social and professional life in Japan, reflecting the cultural value placed on punctuality and preparation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Rai' as 'Arrival'. Next month is the month that is arriving soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「らいげつ」と読みます。漢字の「来」と「月」を合わせた言葉です。
「再来月（さらいげつ）」と言います。その次の月は「さきさらいげつ」とは言わず、「〇〇の次の月」のように表現します。
はい、日常会話だけでなくビジネスシーンでも問題なく使えます。より丁寧な表現にしたい場合は「来月」の代わりに「翌月（よくげつ）」を使うこともあります。
基本的には助詞なしで使えます。「来月に」や「来月は」のように助詞を付けることもありますが、必須ではありません。
Test Yourself
今月は10月です。___は11月です。
10月の次は11月なので、来月が正解です。
「来月」の説明として正しいものはどれですか？
来月は現在の月のすぐ次の月を指します。
（来月 / 行きます / 日本へ / 私は）
日本語は語順の自由度が高いため、これらはすべて自然な文です。
Score: /3
Summary
Raigetsu refers specifically to the calendar month immediately following the current one.
- Refers to the month following the current month.
- Essential for discussing future plans and schedules.
- Part of the basic time-related vocabulary set.
Mastering Time-Related Nouns
Learn the set: Sengetsu (last month), Kongetsu (this month), and Raigetsu (next month). Grouping these together makes them much easier to memorize.
Avoid Confusion with Next Week
Remember that Raigetsu is for months. For next week, use Raishu instead.
Formal vs Informal Usage
While 'Raigetsu' is universal, using 'Yokugetsu' in formal business emails can sound more professional and precise.
Examples
4 of 4来月、日本へ旅行に行きます。
I am going to travel to Japan next month.
来月の会議の日程を調整してください。
Please coordinate the schedule for next month's meeting.
来月、新しい仕事が始まるよ。
I'm starting a new job next month.
来月の統計データを確認する必要がある。
It is necessary to check the statistical data for next month.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
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〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
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ぐらい
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ごろ
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うえ
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絶対
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絶対に
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