Explanation at your level:
Hello! Let's learn the word 今月 (kongetsu). It means 'this month'. It's like saying the month we are in right now. For example, if it is March, then 今月 is March. You can use it to talk about things happening now. Like, 'I will see my friend 今月.' It's a simple word for the time we are in!
The Japanese word 今月 (kongetsu) means 'this month'. It's used to refer to the current calendar month. You can use it to talk about plans or events happening in the present month. For example, you might say, 'I plan to go shopping 今月' (Kongetsu, kaimono ni iku tsumori desu). This helps specify the timeframe of your actions or events. It's a very common and useful word for everyday conversation.
今月 (kongetsu) translates to 'this month' in English. It's a fundamental temporal noun used to specify the current calendar month. You'll frequently encounter it when discussing schedules, deadlines, or events happening within the present month. For instance, '今月の会議は来週です' (Kongetsu no kaigi wa raishuu desu) means 'This month's meeting is next week'. Understanding 今月 allows you to pinpoint timeframes accurately in your Japanese conversations.
今月 (kongetsu) signifies 'this month', denoting the current calendar month. Its usage is widespread across various registers, from casual chats to formal reports. You'll often see it paired with other words to create specific time references, such as 今月末 (kongetsu-matsu) for 'end of this month' or 今月中 (kongetsu-chuu) for 'within this month'. Mastering 今月 is crucial for nuanced temporal expression in Japanese.
The Japanese term 今月 (kongetsu) denotes the current calendar month. Its semantic scope is precise, referring exclusively to the present month. Contextually, it serves as a temporal anchor for discussions ranging from personal plans to macroeconomic indicators. For example, '今月の経済指標は改善の兆しを見せている' (Kongetsu no keizai shihyou wa kaizen no kizashi o misete iru) translates to 'This month's economic indicators show signs of improvement'. Its straightforward meaning belies its importance in structuring temporal discourse.
今月 (kongetsu), meaning 'this month', is a core temporal noun in Japanese, formed from 今 (now) and 月 (month). While its literal meaning is unambiguous, its pragmatic usage can subtly influence the tone and focus of communication. It anchors discussions to the immediate temporal present, distinguishing them from past (先月 - sengetsu) or future (来月 - raigetsu) periods. Its prevalence in news reports, business communications, and personal narratives underscores its significance in establishing temporal relevance and immediacy within the Japanese linguistic framework.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 今月 (kongetsu) means 'this month'.
- It's a fundamental noun for discussing the current calendar period.
- Used in various contexts: plans, deadlines, reports.
- Distinguish it from 来月 (next month) and 先月 (last month).
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese word 今月 (kongetsu). It's a super useful word that literally means 'this month'. Think of it as pointing to the calendar page we're on right now. It's not just a time marker; it helps us talk about events, plans, or situations happening within this specific period. Understanding 今月 is key to navigating daily conversations about time in Japanese. It’s one of those foundational words that unlocks a lot of other expressions!
When you hear 今月, your mind should immediately go to the present month. It’s used in all sorts of contexts, from casual chats with friends about weekend plans to more formal discussions about business schedules or project deadlines. The beauty of 今月 is its straightforwardness. It doesn't carry complex nuances on its own, but it's the anchor for many time-related sentences. So, next time you're learning about Japanese time, make sure 今月 is at the top of your list!
The word 今月 (kongetsu) is a beautiful example of how Japanese combines characters to create meaning. It's made up of two kanji: 今 (ima), meaning 'now' or 'current', and 月 (getsu), meaning 'month' or 'moon'. Together, they form the logical concept of 'now-month', or 'this month'. This construction is quite common in Japanese, where combining characters often leads to a concise and clear meaning.
The character 今 itself has roots tracing back to ancient Chinese, where it originally depicted a person holding a flag and a bell, symbolizing a present moment or event. The character 月, besides meaning 'month', also means 'moon', reflecting the historical practice of using lunar cycles to track time. So, 今月 carries a subtle connection to both the present moment and the celestial bodies that have long guided human calendars. It's fascinating how these characters, used for centuries, still serve us perfectly in modern language!
今月 is used very frequently in everyday Japanese. You'll hear it when people discuss plans, report on progress, or talk about events happening right now. It's incredibly versatile! For instance, you might say 今月の予定 (kongetsu no yotei) - 'this month's schedule' - or 今月中に (kongetsu-chuu ni) - 'within this month'. These are common collocations that make sentences flow naturally.
When talking about deadlines, you might hear phrases like 今月末まで (kongetsu-matsu made), meaning 'until the end of this month'. In a casual setting, you could ask a friend, '今月、何か面白いことあった？' (Kongetsu, nanika omoshiroi koto atta?) - 'Did anything interesting happen this month?'. In a more formal business context, a report might state, '今月の売上は増加しました' (Kongetsu no uriage wa zouka shimashita) - 'This month's sales increased'. The register can shift, but the core meaning of 今月 remains consistent: the current month.
While 今月 itself isn't typically part of complex idioms, it's a crucial component in many common time-related expressions. Think of it as the building block for talking about the present period. Here are some ways it's used:
- 今月いっぱい (kongetsu ippai): This means 'for the rest of this month' or 'throughout this month'. It emphasizes the duration until the month ends. Example: この割引は今月いっぱいです。(Kono waribiki wa kongetsu ippai desu.) - This discount is valid until the end of this month.
- 今月に入ってから (kongetsu ni haitte kara): This phrase means 'since the beginning of this month' or 'from this month onwards'. It marks a starting point within the current month. Example: 今月に入ってから、毎日運動しています。(Kongetsu ni haitte kara, mainichi undou shite imasu.) - Since the beginning of this month, I've been exercising every day.
- 毎月 (maigetsu): While not directly using '今月', this means 'every month' and is often contrasted with 'this month'. It's important to distinguish between the recurring and the specific. Example: 毎月、図書館に本を返しに行きます。(Maigetsu, toshokan ni hon o kaeshi ni ikimasu.) - I go to the library to return books every month.
- 来月 (raigetsu): The opposite of 今月, meaning 'next month'. Understanding 今月 helps you grasp its temporal neighbors. Example: 来月、旅行に行く予定です。(Raigetsu, ryokou ni iku yotei desu.) - I plan to go on a trip next month.
- 先月 (sengetsu): This means 'last month', providing the other temporal neighbor to 今月. Example: 先月、新しい仕事を見つけました。(Sengetsu, atarashii shigoto o mitsukemashita.) - I found a new job last month.
今月 (kongetsu) is a noun. It doesn't change form for pluralization because 'month' in this context is usually singular. When you need to specify a duration within the month, you often use particles or suffixes. For example, 今月中に (kongetsu-chuu ni) means 'within this month', and 今月末 (kongetsu-matsu) means 'end of this month'.
Pronunciation is key! In Japanese, syllables are generally given equal stress, so you pronounce each part clearly. The 'k' in 'kongetsu' is unaspirated, like the 'k' in 'skill'. The 'tsu' sound is like the 'ts' in 'cats'. The vowels are pure: 'o' as in 'boat', 'e' as in 'bet', and 'u' as in 'flute'. So, it sounds like 'kon-geh-tsu'. There aren't really rhyming words for 今月 in the way English has rhyming words, as Japanese phonetics are quite distinct. Common pronunciation errors might involve misplacing stress or not pronouncing the 'tsu' sound correctly.
Fun Fact
The character '月' (getsu) for month is derived from the shape of the crescent moon, highlighting the historical connection between lunar cycles and timekeeping.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a 'kon' sound like 'con' in 'concern', followed by 'geh' like in 'get', and ends with 'tsu' like 'ts' in 'cats' followed by 'oo'.
Similar to UK, with a clear 'kon' sound, a short 'geh' sound, and a distinct 'tsu' ending.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'o' as a long vowel (ō).
- Adding an extra syllable or stress.
- The 'tsu' sound being too soft or too harsh.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
very easy
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very easy
very easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Particles は (wa) and に (ni)
今月<strong>は</strong>暑い。(Kongetsu <strong>wa</strong> atsui.) - This month is hot. / 今月<strong>に</strong>行きます。(Kongetsu <strong>ni</strong> ikimasu.) - I will go this month.
Using の (no) for possession/relation
今月<strong>の</strong>予定 (Kongetsu <strong>no</strong> yotei) - This month's schedule.
Verb Conjugation (Past Tense)
今月、旅行に行きました。(Kongetsu, ryokou ni ikimashita.) - I went traveling this month.
Examples by Level
今月、公園に行きます。
This month, park go.
今月 is used at the beginning of the sentence to set the time.
今月は暑いです。
This month is hot.
Use は after 今月 to make it the topic.
今月、友達に会います。
This month, friend meet.
Simple sentence structure: Time + Event.
これは今月のカレンダーです。
This is this month's calendar.
の connects 今月 to カレンダー (calendar).
今月、新しい本を買いました。
This month, new book bought.
Past tense verb 買いました (kaimashita) shows an action completed this month.
来月は私の誕生日です。
Next month is my birthday.
来月 (raigetsu) means 'next month'.
先月、雨がたくさん降りました。
Last month, rain a lot fell.
先月 (sengetsu) means 'last month'.
今月も頑張りましょう！
This month too, let's do our best!
も means 'also' or 'too'.
今月中に宿題を終わらせます。
This month within homework finish.
中に indicates completion within the specified period.
今月の初めに、新しいプロジェクトが始まります。
This month's beginning, new project starts.
初め (hajime) means 'beginning'.
彼は今月、日本へ行きました。
He this month, Japan to went.
Past tense verb 行きました (ikimashita) is used for events within this month.
今月の終わりまでに、このレポートを提出してください。
This month's end by, this report submit please.
までに indicates a deadline.
今月は特に忙しいです。
This month is especially busy.
特に (toku ni) means 'especially'.
先月はあまり天気が良くありませんでした。
Last month, weather not very good was.
Negative past tense of です (desu).
来月、家族と旅行する予定です。
Next month, family with travel plan is.
予定です (yotei desu) indicates a plan.
今月も、たくさんのイベントがあります。
This month also, many events exist.
も adds emphasis to 今月.
今月中に、新しい車を購入する予定です。
Within this month, new car purchase plan is.
購入する (kounyuu suru) is a more formal verb for 'to purchase'.
今月の給料は、先月よりも少し多いです。
This month's salary, last month than a little more is.
〜より (yori) is used for comparisons.
このキャンペーンは今月いっぱい有効です。
This campaign is this month throughout valid.
いっぱい implies 'until the end of'.
今月に入ってから、健康のために毎日ジョギングをしています。
Since this month entered, for health daily jogging doing.
〜に入ってから marks the start of a period.
来月は重要な試験があるので、今月は勉強に集中します。
Next month important exam because there is, this month study on concentrate.
〜ので (node) indicates reason.
先月、友人の結婚式に出席しました。
Last month, friend's wedding ceremony attended.
出席しました (shusseki shimashita) means 'attended'.
今月も、目標達成に向けて努力を続けます。
This month also, towards goal achievement efforts continue.
〜に向けて (ni mukete) means 'towards'.
今月の天気予報によると、週末は雨らしいです。
This month's weather forecast according to, weekend rain seems.
〜によると (ni yoru to) means 'according to'.
今月中に、このプロジェクトに関する最終報告書を提出する必要があります。
Within this month, regarding this project final report submission necessity exists.
〜必要があります (hitsuyou ga arimasu) means 'it is necessary to'.
今月に入ってから、市場の動向が大きく変化しました。
Since this month entered, market trends greatly changed.
動向 (doukou) means 'trends' or 'movements'.
彼は今月で退職する予定なので、送別会を開くことになりました。
He this month with retire plan because there is, farewell party hold decided.
〜ことになりました (koto ni narimashita) means 'it has been decided'.
今月末には、長年の懸案事項に決着がつく見込みです。
By the end of this month, long-standing pending issue conclusion is expected.
懸案事項 (ken'an jikou) means 'pending issue'.
先月発表された新製品は、今月に入り好調な売れ行きを見せている。
Last month announced new product, entering this month favorable sales showing.
好調な売れ行き (kouchou na uregki) means 'favorable sales'.
来月開催される国際会議に向けて、今月は資料の準備に追われています。
Next month to be held international conference towards, this month materials preparation busy.
〜に追われています (ni owarete imasu) means 'to be busy with'.
今月も、前月比で売上高が10%増加したことを報告します。
This month also, compared to previous month sales amount 10% increased reported.
前月比 (zengetsu hi) means 'compared to the previous month'.
今月いっぱい、特別割引キャンペーンを実施しております。
Throughout this month, special discount campaign implementing.
実施しております (jisshi shite orimasu) is a polite way of saying 'we are implementing'.
今月中に、長年懸案となっていた法案が可決される見通しです。
Within this month, bill that had been a long-standing issue is expected to be passed.
懸案となっていた (ken'an to natte ita) means 'had been a pending issue'.
今月に入り、国内の景気は緩やかな回復基調を辿っている。
Since this month began, domestic economy gradual recovery trend following.
回復基調 (kaifuku kichou) means 'recovery trend'.
彼は今月をもって定年退職となるため、会社としては感謝の意を込めて記念品を贈呈する予定です。
Because he will reach retirement age this month, as a company, with gratitude, commemorative gift presenting plan is.
〜をもって (wo motte) indicates the point in time when something takes effect.
今月末までに、当該プロジェクトの全工程を完了させることが至上命題である。
By the end of this month, completion of all processes for the said project is the utmost priority.
至上命題 (shijou meidai) means 'utmost priority' or 'supreme task'.
先月下旬に発表された調査結果は、今月に入り様々な憶測を呼んでいる。
Survey results announced late last month, entering this month various speculations calling.
憶測を呼ぶ (okusoku o yobu) means 'to invite speculation'.
来月開催される国際シンポジウムの準備は、今月中に最終段階を迎える見込みだ。
Preparation for international symposium to be held next month, is expected to reach final stage within this month.
最終段階を迎える (saishuu dankai o mukaeru) means 'to reach the final stage'.
今月もまた、前月比で顕著な業績向上を記録したことは、関係者各位の努力の賜物と言えよう。
This month again, remarkable performance improvement compared to previous month recorded, can be said result of efforts of all concerned parties.
顕著な業績向上 (kencho na gyouseki koujou) means 'remarkable performance improvement'.
今月いっぱい、期間限定で提供される特別メニューは、食通の間で早くも話題を呼んでいる。
Throughout this month, special menu offered for a limited time, among food lovers already topic calling.
食通 (shokutsuu) means 'gourmet' or 'foodie'.
今月中に、長年にわたり議論されてきた環境規制に関する法案が、ようやく採択される運びとなった。
Within this month, bill regarding environmental regulations that had been debated for many years, finally adoption is set to happen.
〜運びとなる (hakobi to naru) implies a process leading to a specific outcome.
今月に入り、グローバル市場における地政学的なリスクの高まりが、投資家のセンチメントに少なからぬ影響を与えている。
Since this month began, rise in geopolitical risks in the global market, investor sentiment considerable influence giving.
センチメント (senchimento) is a loanword for 'sentiment'.
彼は今月をもって、長年勤め上げた同社を定年退職されるが、その功績は多方面から称賛されている。
He this month with, company he worked for many years retirement age reached, but his achievements from many quarters praised.
勤め上げる (tsutomeageru) means 'to work diligently until completion'.
今月末までに、当該プロジェクトにおける潜在的なリスク要因を網羅的に分析し、具体的な対応策を策定することが急務である。
By the end of this month, potential risk factors in the said project comprehensively analyze, specific countermeasures formulate is urgent task.
網羅的に (mouryoteki ni) means 'comprehensively' or 'exhaustively'.
先月下旬に公表された経済予測は、今月に入り、当初の楽観的な見通しを修正せざるを得ない状況を示唆している。
Economic forecast published late last month, entering this month, initial optimistic outlook revise cannot help but situation suggesting.
楽観的な見通し (rakkanteki na mitooshi) means 'optimistic outlook'.
来月開催される国際会議では、今月中に各国の代表団から提出される最終提案書が、重要な議題となる見込みだ。
In the international conference to be held next month, final proposals submitted by each country's delegation within this month, are expected to be an important agenda item.
代表団 (daihyoudan) means 'delegation'.
今月もまた、前月比で記録的な業績伸長を達成したことは、単なる幸運ではなく、戦略的な市場投入と緻密な顧客分析の賜物であろう。
This month again, achieved record-breaking performance growth compared to previous month, not mere good luck, but result of strategic market entry and meticulous customer analysis.
緻密な (chimitsu na) means 'meticulous' or 'detailed'.
今月いっぱい、期間限定で提供されるその希少な食材を用いたコース料理は、美食家たちの間で熱狂的な賛辞をもって迎えられている。
Throughout this month, course meal using that rare ingredient offered for a limited time, among gourmands with enthusiastic praise is being welcomed.
希少な (kishou na) means 'rare' or 'scarce'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"今月いっぱい (kongetsu ippai)"
Until the end of this month; for the remainder of this month.
この割引は今月いっぱいです。お早めにどうぞ。
neutral"今月に入ってから (kongetsu ni haitte kara)"
Since the beginning of this month; from this month onwards.
今月に入ってから、毎日ジョギングを続けています。
neutral"今月も (kongetsu mo)"
This month too; also this month.
今月もどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
neutral/formal"今月中に (kongetsu-chuu ni)"
Within this month; before the end of this month.
この件は、今月中に必ず解決します。
neutral"今月で (kongetsu de)"
At the end of this month; by this month.
彼は今月で退職します。
neutral"今月を境に (kongetsu o sakai ni)"
From this month onward; starting this month.
今月を境に、新しい生活を始めます。
neutralEasily Confused
Both refer to months and use the character 月.
来月 means 'next month', while 今月 means 'this month'.
今月、旅行に行きます。(I will travel this month.) vs 来月、旅行に行きます。(I will travel next month.)
Both refer to months and use the character 月.
先月 means 'last month', while 今月 means 'this month'.
今月、新しい仕事を見つけました。(I found a new job this month.) vs 先月、新しい仕事を見つけました。(I found a new job last month.)
Both refer to months and use the character 月.
毎月 means 'every month' (recurring), while 今月 refers to a specific, current month.
今月は忙しいです。(This month is busy.) vs 毎月忙しいです。(I am busy every month.)
Both start with 今 (ima/kon) meaning 'now/current' and refer to a period of time.
今週 means 'this week', while 今月 means 'this month'.
今週、会議があります。(There is a meeting this week.) vs 今月、会議があります。(There is a meeting this month.)
Sentence Patterns
今月 + は/も + [Noun/Adjective]
今月は涼しいです。(Kongetsu wa suzushii desu.) - This month is cool.
今月 + に + [Verb]
今月に行きます。(Kongetsu ni ikimasu.) - I will go this month.
今月 + の + [Noun]
今月の予定を教えてください。(Kongetsu no yotei o oshiete kudasai.) - Please tell me this month's schedule.
今月中に + [Verb Phrase]
今月中に宿題を終わらせます。(Kongetsu-chuu ni shukudai o owarasemasu.) - I will finish my homework within this month.
今月末までに + [Verb Phrase]
今月末までに、このレポートを提出してください。(Kongetsu-matsu made ni, kono repooto o teishutsu shite kudasai.) - Please submit this report by the end of this month.
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
These words denote different time periods and using the wrong one can lead to significant misunderstandings about when an event is happening.
Particles are crucial in Japanese grammar. Incorrect particle usage can change the meaning or make the sentence grammatically incorrect.
While 今月 is specific, sometimes the intended timeframe might be larger (the whole year) or smaller (a specific day), requiring different vocabulary.
Japanese phonetics can be tricky for learners. The 'tsu' sound is distinct and needs to be pronounced correctly for clear communication.
Unlike English where 'months' is plural, Japanese nouns often don't inflect for number. The context usually makes it clear.
Tips
Calendar Association
Every time you see '今月', picture your current calendar page. Associate the word with the visual of the month you are currently in.
Plan Your Month
Use '今月' when making plans. Say aloud, '今月、友達と会います' (Kongetsu, tomodachi to aimasu - I'll meet my friend this month) or '今月中にこれをします' (Kongetsu-chuu ni kore o shimasu - I'll do this within this month).
Monthly Greetings
In Japan, it's common to say '今月もよろしくお願いします' (Kongetsu mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu - Please treat me favorably this month too) at the beginning of each month, especially in ongoing relationships.
Particle Power
Remember the common patterns: 今月<strong>は</strong> (topic), 今月<strong>に</strong> (time point/duration), 今月<strong>の</strong> (possession/relation).
Say It Clearly
Practice the 'tsu' sound. It's like the end of 'cats'. Say 'kon-geh-tsu' slowly and clearly.
Don't Mix Your Months!
Always double-check if you mean 'this month' (今月), 'next month' (来月), or 'last month' (先月). Mixing them up causes confusion.
Moon Power!
The character '月' (getsu) means both 'month' and 'moon'. Early calendars were based on moon cycles!
Monthly Review
At the end of each month, reflect on what happened using '今月'. Write down 3 things in Japanese: '今月、___しました。'
Workplace Focus
In business, deadlines are often set using '今月中に' (within this month) or '今月末までに' (by the end of this month). Pay attention to these phrases.
Time Word Family
Learn 今月, 来月, and 先月 together. They are direct opposites and crucial for discussing time.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Kong' (like 'con' in 'congratulations' for a current event) and 'get sue' (like getting sued this month!). So, 'Kong-get-sue' = 'This month, I might get sued!' (Use a memorable, even silly, image).
Visual Association
Imagine a calendar page with the current month circled in bright red, with the word 'NOW' written across it.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use '今月' in three different sentences today: one about a plan, one about a feeling, and one about a past event that happened this month.
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)
Original meaning: The combination of characters '今' (now/current) and '月' (month/moon) directly translates to 'current month'.
Cultural Context
No specific cultural sensitivity associated with the word itself, but the events happening 'this month' might carry cultural significance.
In English-speaking cultures, 'this month' is used similarly to refer to the current calendar month for planning, reporting, and discussing events.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Making Plans
- 今月、〜に行きたいです。(Kongetsu, ~ ni ikitai desu.) - I want to go to ~ this month.
- 今月中に〜をします。(Kongetsu-chuu ni ~ o shimasu.) - I will do ~ within this month.
- 今月の予定は？(Kongetsu no yotei wa?) - What are the plans for this month?
Business/Work
- 今月の売上報告(Kongetsu no uriage houkoku) - This month's sales report.
- 今月末締切(Kongetsu-matsu shimekiri) - Deadline at the end of this month.
- 今月もよろしくお願いいたします。(Kongetsu mo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.) - Thank you for your continued support this month.
Discussing Time/Deadlines
- 今月いっぱい有効です。(Kongetsu ippai yuukou desu.) - It's valid until the end of this month.
- 今月に入ってから状況が変わりました。(Kongetsu ni haitte kara joukyou ga kawarimashita.) - The situation has changed since the beginning of this month.
- 先月と今月では、気温が違います。(Sengetsu to kongetsu de wa, kion ga chigaimasu.) - The temperature differs between last month and this month.
Personal Updates
- 今月、誕生日でした。(Kongetsu, tanjoubi deshita.) - It was my birthday this month.
- 今月は特に忙しいです。(Kongetsu wa toku ni isogashii desu.) - I'm particularly busy this month.
- 今月も頑張りましょう！(Kongetsu mo ganbarimashou!) - Let's do our best this month too!
Conversation Starters
"今月、何か面白い予定はありますか？ (Kongetsu, nanika omoshiroi yotei wa arimasu ka?) - Do you have any interesting plans this month?"
"今月に入ってから、一番良かったことは何ですか？ (Kongetsu ni haitte kara, ichiban yokatta koto wa nan desu ka?) - What's the best thing that happened to you since the beginning of this month?"
"今月中に達成したい目標はありますか？ (Kongetsu-chuu ni tassei shitai mokuhyou wa arimasu ka?) - Do you have any goals you want to achieve within this month?"
"先月と比べて、今月はどんな感じですか？ (Sengetsu to kurabete, kongetsu wa donna kanji desu ka?) - How does this month feel compared to last month?"
"今月もよろしくお願いします！ (Kongetsu mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!) - Let's have a good month!"
Journal Prompts
今月の初めに立てた目標は、どのくらい達成できましたか？ (Kongetsu no hajime ni tateta mokuhyou wa, dono kurai tassei dekimashita ka?) - How much progress have you made on the goals you set at the beginning of this month?
今月、一番感謝していることは何ですか？ (Kongetsu, ichiban kansha shite iru koto wa nan desu ka?) - What are you most grateful for this month?
今月、新しく学んだことや経験したことはありますか？ (Kongetsu, arata ni mananda koto ya keiken shita koto wa arimasu ka?) - Is there anything new you learned or experienced this month?
来月に向けて、今月中にやっておくべきことは何ですか？ (Raigetsu ni mukete, kongetsu-chuu ni yatte oku beki koto wa nan desu ka?) - What should you do within this month to prepare for next month?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIn modern Japanese, 今月 (kongetsu) refers to the current month in the Gregorian (solar) calendar. Historically, months were often based on lunar cycles, but this usage is now rare for 'kongetsu'.
No, 今月 specifically means 'this current month'. To refer to the first or second month of the year, you would use terms like '一月' (ichigatsu - January) or '二月' (nigatsu - February), or more generally '最初の月' (saisho no tsuki - the first month) or '二番目の月' (nibanme no tsuki - the second month).
今月 (kongetsu) simply refers to 'this month' as a general period. 今月中に (kongetsu-chuu ni) means 'within this month' or 'before the end of this month', emphasizing that an action must be completed during this time.
No, 今月 always refers to the *current* month, regardless of the year. For example, if it's May 2023, 今月 is May. If it's May 2024, 今月 is still May.
You would say '今月の予定' (kongetsu no yotei). The particle 'の' (no) is used to connect 'this month' to 'schedule'.
Yes, in very formal contexts like official documents or business reports, you might see 当月 (tougetsu) or 今月度 (kongetsu-do).
Yes, you can refer to events that happened earlier *within* the current month. For example, '今月、新しい本を買いました' (Kongetsu, atarashii hon o kaimashita - I bought a new book this month). However, if the month has already ended, you would use 先月 (sengetsu - last month).
It is pronounced 'kong-geh-tsu'. Each syllable should be given relatively equal stress.
Test Yourself
___, I will go to the beach.
今月 means 'this month', which fits the context of a plan for the current month.
What does 今月 mean?
今月 specifically refers to the current calendar month.
If today is May 15th, then 今月 refers to April.
今月 refers to the current month, which would be May in this case, not April.
Word
Meaning
Understanding the temporal relationship between these words is key.
The correct sentence is '今月は忙しいです' (Kongetsu wa isogashii desu), meaning 'This month is busy'.
このプロジェクトは___中に完了させる必要があります。
今月中に means 'within this month', indicating a deadline for the project.
Which phrase means 'until the end of this month'?
今月いっぱい specifically denotes the duration up to the end of the current month.
Demonstrates the ability to use 今月 in a natural context for future planning.
The phrase '今月を境に' implies a significant change starting from this month.
'今月を境に' (kongetsu o sakai ni) means 'from this month onwards' and often suggests a turning point or a new beginning.
先月発表された新製品は、___に入り好調な売れ行きを見せている。
The context implies that the product's good sales started after its announcement last month, continuing into the current month (今月).
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Summary
Mastering 今月 is essential for accurately discussing time and plans in Japanese.
- 今月 (kongetsu) means 'this month'.
- It's a fundamental noun for discussing the current calendar period.
- Used in various contexts: plans, deadlines, reports.
- Distinguish it from 来月 (next month) and 先月 (last month).
Calendar Association
Every time you see '今月', picture your current calendar page. Associate the word with the visual of the month you are currently in.
Plan Your Month
Use '今月' when making plans. Say aloud, '今月、友達と会います' (Kongetsu, tomodachi to aimasu - I'll meet my friend this month) or '今月中にこれをします' (Kongetsu-chuu ni kore o shimasu - I'll do this within this month).
Monthly Greetings
In Japan, it's common to say '今月もよろしくお願いします' (Kongetsu mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu - Please treat me favorably this month too) at the beginning of each month, especially in ongoing relationships.
Particle Power
Remember the common patterns: 今月<strong>は</strong> (topic), 今月<strong>に</strong> (time point/duration), 今月<strong>の</strong> (possession/relation).
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
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
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
