月 – Japanese Words for Moon
The word for moon in Japanese is 月. There are other Japanese words for the moon when you are talking about specific states of the moon. Such as a full moon, crescent moon, and so on. Let’s take a look.
https://japaneseuniverse.com/2024/02/18/pac-man-in-japaneseconcepts-behind-development-to-global-icon/INDEX
満月 – Full Moon
First, we have 満月 which means a full moon. This word has the Kanji, 満 in it which is used in the Japanese verb, 満ちる which also means to be full.
今夜は満月だ
Tonight is a full moon
三日月 – Crescent Moon
Next, a crescent moon in Japanese is called a 三日月 . This translates literally to the third-day moon.
https://japaneseuniverse.com/2020/12/28/%e6%b7%b1%e5%a4%9c-4-japanese-words-for-midnight/
新月 – New Moon
新月 is the Japanese word for a new moon.
夕べは新月だった
Last night was a new moon
Talking about the Months with Moons
These are not really Japanese words for the moon but in Japanese, the months are represented by the 月 Kanji pronounced gatsu. To figure out the name of a month you just add the number before 月. So, if you can count in Japanese you also know the months. For example, March would be 三月.
Those are the words for the moon in Japanese. If you want to learn more Japanese I reviewed a dictionary of grammar series which I personally recommend and use myself.
I also have several other posts on various topics on Japanese Universe if you are interested.
