Moon in Japanese

"moon" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.

月

tsuki

2 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "moon". The most common choice is shown first.

Which one to use

月 is the moon, and also the month, because months were counted by it. 望 is the full moon specifically, and the same character means to gaze into the distance and to hope — the full moon is the thing one looks up at.

月

Top pick

moon, month

Reading: getsu

4 strokes · beautiful, mysterious, peaceful

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Where it comes from

Pictograph depicting a crescent moon. Represents the waxing and waning of the moon.

What it carries

Symbol of night, passage of time, and feminine beauty. Frequently used in waka and haiku poetry.

Related kanji for "moon"

Frequently asked questions

What is the Japanese kanji for moon?

The most common kanji for "moon" is 月, read as getsu. It means moon, month. Related kanji: 望 (moon).

How many strokes does 月 have?

月 has 4 strokes.