Translation and Meaning of: 月末 - getsumatsu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 月末 (げつまつ, getsumatsu). It is quite common in everyday Japanese and appears in various contexts, from informal conversations to official documents. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in practice, along with tips for memorizing it easily.

月末 is one of those words that, despite being simple, carries interesting nuances. If you want to understand how the Japanese refer to the end of the month or how this expression relates to local culture, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who wish to truly learn Japanese.

月末 means "the end of the month" and is written as "getsuzatsu" in romaji.

月末 is composed of two kanji: 月 (tsuki or getsu), which means "moon" or "month," and 末 (matsu or sue), which can be translated as "end" or "final." Together, they form the word that literally means "end of the month." This is a quite straightforward expression, without hidden or metaphorical meanings, but its simplicity does not diminish its importance in everyday life.

It is important to highlight that 月末 does not necessarily refer to the last day of the month, but rather to the period that encomes the last days. For example, if someone says "月末までに" (getsumatsu made ni), they are referring to something that must be done by the end of the month, not necessarily on the 30th or 31st. This flexibility is helpful in deadlines and planning.

How is 月末 used in everyday Japanese?

In Japan, 月末 appears frequently in financial and work contexts. Many companies have the habit of closing reports, paying salaries, or holding meetings during this period. If you have ever watched a dorama or anime that depicts corporate life, you’ve probably heard phrases like "月末は忙しい" (getsumatsu wa isogashii), which means "the end of the month is busy."

Furthermore, the word also appears in everyday conversations. For instance, if someone asks "月末までに終わる？" (getsumatsu made ni owaru?), they want to know if a certain task will be completed by the end of the month. This type of usage is so common that, for those studying Japanese, it's worth adding it to the priority vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing 月末 and avoiding confusion

An effective way to fix 月末 in your memory is to associate it with recurring events. If you pay bills, receive a salary, or make monthly balances, try to think of this word whenever the end of the month comes. Another tip is to contrast it with 月初 (getsu hajime), which means "beginning of the month." This opposition helps reinforce the meaning of both.

It is also important not to confuse 月末 (getsumatsu) with 週末 (shūmatsu), which means "weekend." Although both have the kanji 末, the contexts are entirely different. While one refers to the end of the month, the other is related to the end of the week. Paying attention to these details avoids mistakes in communication.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 締め日 (Shimebi) - Deadline for closing or finalizing a process.
• 締切日 (Shimekiribi) - Deadline, usually related to submissions or deliveries.
• 期限日 (Kigenbi) - Expiration date or deadline, focused on legal or contractual .