Translation and Meaning of: 下旬 - gejyun

The Japanese word 下旬 (げじゅん, gejun) is a useful term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It frequently appears in calendars, planners, and even in everyday conversations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical usage, and some curiosities that may help you memorize it better.

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese divide the month or how to express specific periods, understanding 下旬 is essential. Additionally, we'll see how this word fits into formal and informal contexts, making it easier to use in different situations. Shall we begin?

下旬 (げじゅん) means "the latter part of the month" or "the last ten days of a month" in English.

The end of the month refers to the last part of the month, usually comprising the days from the 21st until the end. It is one of the three traditional divisions of the month in Japan, along with 上旬 (じょうじゅん, jōjun, the first decade) and 中旬 (ちゅうじゅん, chūjun, the middle of the month). This classification is widely used in planning, deadlines, and even in weather forecasts.

Unlike Portuguese, which tends to use expressions like "end of the month" or "last week," Japanese has a specific word for that period. This reflects a more precise organization of time in Japanese culture, something that can also be observed in other aspects of the language.

How and when to use 下旬 in everyday life

In everyday conversations, 下旬 frequently appears to mark events or appointments. For example, when scheduling a meeting at the end of the month, it's common to hear phrases like "下旬に会いましょう" (gejun ni aimashō, "let's meet at the end of the month"). Companies also use this term to set deadlines for payments or deliveries.

It is worth noting that, although 下旬 technically starts on the 21st, its usage is often more flexible in colloquial language. Some people may refer to this phase starting from the 20th or even when there are about ten days left until the end of the month. This variation is not considered a mistake, but rather a natural adaptation of the language.

Curiosities and tips for memorizing 下旬

An effective way to the meaning of 下旬 is to observe its kanjis. The character 下 (ge) means "below" or "lower part," while 旬 (jun) represents a period of ten days. Together, they form the idea of "last decade of the month." This logic also applies to 上旬 (first decade) and 中旬 (middle decade).

In Japan, this division of the month is so ingrained that even weather forecasts and newspaper columns tend to follow this structure. If you watch Japanese TV programs, for example, you'll notice that many events are announced using these . This constant exposure helps to solidify the vocabulary naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 後半 (Kōhan) - second half, generally referring to the second half of a period or event.
• 後半月 (Kōhan-tsuki) - last days of the month.
• 後半期 (Kōhan-ki) - last part of a specific period, such as a semester or season.
• 後半部分 (Kōhan-bubun) - the back part or the final section of something.
• 後半期間 (Kōhan-kikan) - final period or the last part of a defined time interval.