お月見を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、お月見に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- お月見の概要:
- 秋に行われる伝統行事で、満月を鑑賞しながら収穫に感謝する風習
- 単なる月の観賞ではなく、自然との調和や季節の移り変わりを感じる機会
- 旧暦の8月15日に行われる「十五夜」が最も有名
- 主要な風習:
- 月見団子やすすきなどの飾りを供える
- 家の窓際やベランダ、または寺や神社で飾られる
- かぐや姫の伝説:
- 「竹取物語」に登場するかぐや姫は、お月見に関連する有名な伝説
- 曇りの日の習慣:
- 月が見えない場合でも、お月見は続けられる
- 「無月」や「雨月」といった特別な言葉でその状況を表す
2人がお月見について話しています。
お月見の起源や目的、風習、月見団子やすすきの飾り、曇りの日の対応、「かぐや姫」の伝説などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in Otsukimi lately. It sounds like a beautiful tradition here in Japan.
It really is, Mack. Otsukimi, or moon viewing, is all about admiring the autumn moon. Do you know when it usually happens?
I heard it’s on the 15th night of the 8th lunar month. But what makes that night so special?
Exactly, that’s right! The 15th night, called Jūgoya, is considered the best time to see the full moon because it’s usually the brightest and most beautiful. It’s also a time to give thanks for the harvest.
I see. So, what do people usually do during Otsukimi?
They prepare offerings like tsukimi dango, which are round rice dumplings. These represent the full moon. People also decorate with pampas grass, or susuki, to symbolize a good harvest. Have you ever seen these decorations?
Yeah, I’ve seen them in some stores around this time of year. Where do people usually celebrate Otsukimi? Do they do it at home?
Yes, many people do celebrate at home. They set up a small table near a window or on a veranda where they can see the moon. But it’s also popular to go to temples, shrines, or parks. Some places even have special events with music and poetry. Do you think you’ll join any of those?
That sounds nice! I’d love to visit a temple or a garden. But what if it’s cloudy and I can’t see the moon? Does that ruin the celebration?
Not at all. Even if the moon is hidden, the celebration continues. There are actually special words for this: Mugetsu, meaning “no moon,” and Ugetsu, meaning “rain moon.” The important thing is enjoying the moment, whether or not you see the moon. What do you think of that?
That’s a great perspective. I like how the focus is on the experience itself, not just the moon. By the way, I heard there’s a famous legend about a princess related to Otsukimi. Can you tell me more about it?
Sure! That would be the story of Kaguya-hime, the Moon Princess. She’s from “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” one of Japan’s oldest stories. Kaguya-hime was found by a bamboo cutter and raised on Earth, but she was actually from the moon. Eventually, she had to return to her home, leaving everyone heartbroken.
Wow, that’s a beautiful yet sad story. It really adds depth to the whole Otsukimi experience. Do people think of Kaguya-hime during Otsukimi?
Definitely. The story adds a sense of mystery and enchantment to the festival. When you’re gazing at the moon, it’s easy to imagine Kaguya-hime up there, watching over us. How does that make you feel about the festival?
It makes me even more excited to experience it. I think I’ll definitely visit a temple or garden this year to fully enjoy the atmosphere. Have you celebrated Otsukimi before, Key?
Yes, I have. It’s always a peaceful and reflective time. You’re going to love it, Mack. It’s a beautiful way to connect with nature and the changing seasons.
Thanks, Key. I’m really looking forward to it now. I’ll make sure to prepare some tsukimi dango and maybe even try making a small display at home.
That sounds like a perfect plan. Enjoy your Otsukimi, Mack! It’s a special experience you won’t forget.
I’m sure I will. Thanks for all the info, Key!
関連情報 / related information
「お月見」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
お月見
What is Otsukimi?
Otsukimi is a traditional Japanese event where people gather to admire the beauty of the autumn moon. The event usually takes place on the 15th night of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, known as Jūgoya. This night is considered the best time to view the full moon because it is usually the brightest and most beautiful of the year.
How is Otsukimi Celebrated?
During Otsukimi, people prepare offerings like tsukimi dango (round rice dumplings) that represent the full moon. They also decorate with susuki (pampas grass) to symbolize a good harvest. These offerings are placed where the moon can be easily viewed, such as near windows or on verandas. Some people celebrate at home, while others visit temples, shrines, or parks where special events may be held.
The Legend of Kaguya-hime
Otsukimi is also connected to the famous Japanese legend of Kaguya-hime, the Moon Princess. According to the story, Kaguya-hime was found by a bamboo cutter and raised on Earth, but she eventually returned to her home on the moon. This legend adds a sense of mystery and enchantment to the festival.
What if You Can’t See the Moon?
Even if the moon is hidden by clouds, Otsukimi is still celebrated. In this case, Japanese people use special words like Mugetsu (no moon) and Ugetsu (rain moon) to describe the situation. The focus is on appreciating the moment and the spirit of the festival, rather than just the visual beauty of the moon.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「お月見」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Otsukimi?
Otsukimi is a traditional Japanese festival where people gather to admire the beauty of the autumn moon. It usually takes place on the 15th night of the 8th lunar month, known as Jūgoya.
2: When is Otsukimi usually celebrated?
Otsukimi is usually celebrated in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar. The exact date changes each year.
3: What are tsukimi dango?
Tsukimi dango are round rice dumplings that are offered during Otsukimi. They symbolize the full moon and are often displayed in a pyramid shape.
4: What is the purpose of Otsukimi?
The main purpose of Otsukimi is to appreciate the beauty of the full moon and to give thanks for the harvest. It’s a time to reflect on nature and the changing seasons.
5: What are common decorations used during Otsukimi?
Common decorations include susuki (pampas grass) and seasonal produce like taro and chestnuts. These items are often displayed alongside tsukimi dango.
6: What happens if the moon is not visible during Otsukimi?
Even if the moon is hidden by clouds, Otsukimi is still celebrated. The event continues with special terms like Mugetsu (no moon) and Ugetsu (rain moon) used to describe the situation.
7: Where can Otsukimi be celebrated?
Otsukimi can be celebrated at home, where people set up a small altar near a window or veranda. It’s also common to visit temples, shrines, or parks where special moon-viewing events are held.
8: What is the story of Kaguya-hime?
Kaguya-hime is a famous Japanese legend about a princess from the moon. She was found by a bamboo cutter and raised on Earth, but she eventually returned to her home on the moon.
9: Why is Otsukimi significant in Japanese culture?
Otsukimi is significant because it represents a deep connection with nature and the changing seasons. It’s also a time to express gratitude for the harvest and to enjoy the beauty of the moon.
10: Are there any special foods eaten during Otsukimi?
Yes, in addition to tsukimi dango, people often eat seasonal foods like taro, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes during Otsukimi. These foods are offered to the moon and enjoyed during the celebration.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in Otsukimi lately. It sounds like a beautiful tradition here in Japan.
ねえキー、最近お月見にすごく興味があるんだ。日本の美しい伝統みたいだね。
It really is, Mack. Otsukimi, or moon viewing, is all about admiring the autumn moon. Do you know when it usually happens?
そうだよ、マック。お月見は秋の月を鑑賞する行事なんだ。いつ行われるか知ってる？
I heard it’s on the 15th night of the 8th lunar month. But what makes that night so special?
8月の十五夜に行われるって聞いたけど、なんでその夜が特別なの？
Exactly, that’s right! The 15th night, called Jūgoya, is considered the best time to see the full moon because it’s usually the brightest and most beautiful. It’s also a time to give thanks for the harvest.
その通り！十五夜は、満月が最も明るく美しいとされているからなんだ。それに、この日は収穫に感謝する時期でもあるんだよ。
I see. So, what do people usually do during Otsukimi?
なるほど。それで、お月見では人々は何をするの？
They prepare offerings like tsukimi dango, which are round rice dumplings. These represent the full moon. People also decorate with pampas grass, or susuki, to symbolize a good harvest. Have you ever seen these decorations?
まず、月見団子という丸いお団子をお供えするんだ。これは満月を象徴しているんだよ。それから、すすきで飾りつけもするんだ。収穫を象徴しているんだよ。見たことある？
Yeah, I’ve seen them in some stores around this time of year. Where do people usually celebrate Otsukimi? Do they do it at home?
うん、この時期にお店で見たことあるよ。人々はどこでお月見をするの？家でやるのかな？
Yes, many people do celebrate at home. They set up a small table near a window or on a veranda where they can see the moon. But it’s also popular to go to temples, shrines, or parks. Some places even have special events with music and poetry. Do you think you’ll join any of those?
そうだね、多くの人は家でお月見をするよ。月が見える窓辺やベランダに小さなテーブルを置いてね。でも、寺や神社、公園に行くのも人気だよ。音楽や詩のイベントがある場所もあるよ。参加してみる？
That sounds nice! I’d love to visit a temple or a garden. But what if it’s cloudy and I can’t see the moon? Does that ruin the celebration?
それはいいね！お寺や庭園に行ってみたいな。でも、曇っていて月が見えなかったらどうするの？お祭りが台無しになるの？
Not at all. Even if the moon is hidden, the celebration continues. There are actually special words for this: Mugetsu, meaning “no moon,” and Ugetsu, meaning “rain moon.” The important thing is enjoying the moment, whether or not you see the moon. What do you think of that?
全然そんなことないよ。月が見えなくてもお祭りは続くんだ。実は、無月とか雨月っていう特別な言葉があって、それぞれ「月が見えない」と「雨の月」を意味するんだよ。大切なのは、その瞬間を楽しむことなんだ。どう思う？
That’s a great perspective. I like how the focus is on the experience itself, not just the moon. By the way, I heard there’s a famous legend about a princess related to Otsukimi. Can you tell me more about it?
それはいい考え方だね。月だけじゃなくて、体験そのものに焦点を当てるところがいいね。ところで、お月見に関係する有名な姫の伝説があるって聞いたんだけど、教えてくれる？
Sure! That would be the story of Kaguya-hime, the Moon Princess. She’s from “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” one of Japan’s oldest stories. Kaguya-hime was found by a bamboo cutter and raised on Earth, but she was actually from the moon. Eventually, she had to return to her home, leaving everyone heartbroken.
もちろん！それは「かぐや姫」の話だね。日本最古の物語「竹取物語」に登場するんだよ。かぐや姫は竹取の翁に見つかり、地上で育てられたけど、実は月の住人だったんだ。最終的に月に帰らなければならなくて、みんなを悲しませたんだよ。
Wow, that’s a beautiful yet sad story. It really adds depth to the whole Otsukimi experience. Do people think of Kaguya-hime during Otsukimi?
わあ、美しいけど悲しい話だね。それはお月見の体験に深みを加えるね。お月見の時に、かぐや姫のことを考える人もいるの？
Definitely. The story adds a sense of mystery and enchantment to the festival. When you’re gazing at the moon, it’s easy to imagine Kaguya-hime up there, watching over us. How does that make you feel about the festival?
もちろんさ。この話はお祭りに神秘的な魅力を加えるんだ。月を見つめていると、かぐや姫が上から見守ってくれているように感じるよ。これを聞いて、お月見についてどう思う？
It makes me even more excited to experience it. I think I’ll definitely visit a temple or garden this year to fully enjoy the atmosphere. Have you celebrated Otsukimi before, Key?
もっとお月見を体験したくなったよ。今年はお寺か庭園に行って、雰囲気を存分に楽しもうと思う。キーはお月見をしたことあるの？
Yes, I have. It’s always a peaceful and reflective time. You’re going to love it, Mack. It’s a beautiful way to connect with nature and the changing seasons.
うん、あるよ。いつも心が穏やかになって、考えが深まる時間だよ。マックも絶対気に入ると思うよ。自然や季節の移ろいを感じる素晴らしい方法だからね。
Thanks, Key. I’m really looking forward to it now. I’ll make sure to prepare some tsukimi dango and maybe even try making a small display at home.
ありがとう、キー。今から楽しみだよ。月見団子を用意して、家でも小さな飾りを作ってみようかな。
That sounds like a perfect plan. Enjoy your Otsukimi, Mack! It’s a special experience you won’t forget.
それは完璧な計画だね。お月見を楽しんでね、マック！きっと忘れられない特別な体験になるよ。
I’m sure I will. Thanks for all the info, Key!
そうだね。いろいろ教えてくれてありがとう、キー！
関連情報 / related information
お月見
What is Otsukimi?
Otsukimi is a traditional Japanese event where people gather to admire the beauty of the autumn moon. The event usually takes place on the 15th night of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, known as Jūgoya. This night is considered the best time to view the full moon because it is usually the brightest and most beautiful of the year.
お月見は、秋の月の美しさを鑑賞するために人々が集まる日本の伝統的な行事です。この行事は通常、旧暦の8月15日、十五夜に行われます。この夜は、一年で最も明るく、美しい満月を見るのに最適な時期とされています。
How is Otsukimi Celebrated?
During Otsukimi, people prepare offerings like tsukimi dango (round rice dumplings) that represent the full moon. They also decorate with susuki (pampas grass) to symbolize a good harvest. These offerings are placed where the moon can be easily viewed, such as near windows or on verandas. Some people celebrate at home, while others visit temples, shrines, or parks where special events may be held.
お月見の際、人々は満月を象徴する月見団子（丸いお団子）を供えます。また、豊作を象徴するためにすすき（芒）で飾り付けも行います。これらの供え物は、月がよく見える窓辺やベランダに置かれます。家でお祝いする人もいれば、寺社や公園で開催される特別なイベントに参加する人もいます。
The Legend of Kaguya-hime
Otsukimi is also connected to the famous Japanese legend of Kaguya-hime, the Moon Princess. According to the story, Kaguya-hime was found by a bamboo cutter and raised on Earth, but she eventually returned to her home on the moon. This legend adds a sense of mystery and enchantment to the festival.
お月見は、月の姫であるかぐや姫の有名な日本の伝説とも関連しています。この物語では、かぐや姫は竹取の翁に発見され、地上で育てられますが、最終的には月の故郷に帰ることになります。この伝説が、お月見に神秘的で魅惑的な雰囲気を与えています。
What if You Can’t See the Moon?
Even if the moon is hidden by clouds, Otsukimi is still celebrated. In this case, Japanese people use special words like Mugetsu (no moon) and Ugetsu (rain moon) to describe the situation. The focus is on appreciating the moment and the spirit of the festival, rather than just the visual beauty of the moon.
月が雲に隠れて見えなくても、お月見は続けられます。このような場合、日本人は無月（月がない）や雨月（雨の月）といった特別な言葉を使います。この行事の焦点は、月の視覚的な美しさだけでなく、その瞬間と祭りの精神を楽しむことにあります。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Otsukimi?
お月見とは何ですか？
Otsukimi is a traditional Japanese festival where people gather to admire the beauty of the autumn moon. It usually takes place on the 15th night of the 8th lunar month, known as Jūgoya.
お月見は、秋の月の美しさを鑑賞するために人々が集まる日本の伝統的な祭りです。通常、旧暦の8月15日の夜、十五夜に行われます。
2: When is Otsukimi usually celebrated?
お月見は通常いつ行われますか？
Otsukimi is usually celebrated in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar. The exact date changes each year.
お月見は通常、9月か10月に行われます。具体的な日は毎年変わります。
3: What are tsukimi dango?
月見団子とは何ですか？
Tsukimi dango are round rice dumplings that are offered during Otsukimi. They symbolize the full moon and are often displayed in a pyramid shape.
月見団子はお月見の際に供えられる丸いお団子です。これらは満月を象徴しており、よくピラミッド形に積まれます。
4: What is the purpose of Otsukimi?
お月見の目的は何ですか？
The main purpose of Otsukimi is to appreciate the beauty of the full moon and to give thanks for the harvest. It’s a time to reflect on nature and the changing seasons.
お月見の主な目的は、満月の美しさを鑑賞し、収穫に感謝することです。自然や季節の変化に思いを馳せる時でもあります。
5: What are common decorations used during Otsukimi?
お月見でよく使われる飾りは何ですか？
Common decorations include susuki (pampas grass) and seasonal produce like taro and chestnuts. These items are often displayed alongside tsukimi dango.
よく使われる飾りには、すすき（芒）や里芋、栗などの季節の産物があります。これらは月見団子と一緒に飾られることが多いです。
6: What happens if the moon is not visible during Otsukimi?
お月見の時に月が見えない場合はどうなりますか？
Even if the moon is hidden by clouds, Otsukimi is still celebrated. The event continues with special terms like Mugetsu (no moon) and Ugetsu (rain moon) used to describe the situation.
月が雲に隠れて見えなくても、お月見は続けられます。この場合、「無月」や「雨月」といった特別な言葉でその状況を表します。
7: Where can Otsukimi be celebrated?
お月見はどこで行われますか？
Otsukimi can be celebrated at home, where people set up a small altar near a window or veranda. It’s also common to visit temples, shrines, or parks where special moon-viewing events are held.
お月見は、家で窓辺やベランダに小さな祭壇を設けて行われます。また、特別な月見イベントが開催される寺社や公園に行くことも一般的です。
8: What is the story of Kaguya-hime?
かぐや姫の物語とは何ですか？
Kaguya-hime is a famous Japanese legend about a princess from the moon. She was found by a bamboo cutter and raised on Earth, but she eventually returned to her home on the moon.
かぐや姫は、月から来た姫についての有名な日本の伝説です。竹取の翁によって見つかり、地上で育てられましたが、最終的に月の故郷に帰りました。
9: Why is Otsukimi significant in Japanese culture?
お月見は日本文化においてなぜ重要ですか？
Otsukimi is significant because it represents a deep connection with nature and the changing seasons. It’s also a time to express gratitude for the harvest and to enjoy the beauty of the moon.
お月見は、自然や季節の移り変わりとの深いつながりを象徴しているため、重要です。また、収穫に感謝し、月の美しさを楽しむ時でもあります。
10: Are there any special foods eaten during Otsukimi?
お月見の時に食べられる特別な食べ物はありますか？
Yes, in addition to tsukimi dango, people often eat seasonal foods like taro, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes during Otsukimi. These foods are offered to the moon and enjoyed during the celebration.
はい、月見団子に加えて、里芋、栗、さつまいもなどの季節の食べ物もよく食べられます。これらの食べ物は月に供えられ、祭りの間に楽しまれます。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
harvest : 名詞
意味: 収穫、取り入れ。The process or period of gathering in crops.
（お月見の際、収穫に感謝する時期として使用）
例文：
- Farmers celebrate the harvest in autumn.
「農家は秋に収穫を祝います。」 - The harvest was bountiful this year.
「今年の収穫は豊作でした。」 - We give thanks for the harvest during Otsukimi.
「お月見の間、私たちは収穫に感謝します。」
offering : 名詞
意味: 供え物、捧げ物。Something that is given, especially as a gift or contribution.
（お月見の際、月に供える物として使用）
例文：
- The villagers made an offering to the gods.
「村人たちは神々に供え物をしました。」 - Tsukimi dango are a traditional offering during Otsukimi.
「月見団子はお月見の伝統的な供え物です。」 - The offering included fruits and vegetables.
「供え物には果物や野菜が含まれていました。」
dumpling : 名詞
意味: 団子、小麦粉や米粉で作った小さな食べ物。A small mass of dough, often boiled or steamed and sometimes filled.
（お月見の際に供えられる月見団子として使用）
例文：
- She made chicken dumplings for dinner.
「彼女は夕食にチキンの団子を作りました。」 - Tsukimi dumplings are round and white.
「月見団子は丸くて白いです。」 - We enjoyed sweet dumplings during the festival.
「私たちはお祭りで甘い団子を楽しみました。」
ruin : 動詞
意味: 台無しにする、破壊する。To spoil or destroy something completely.
（お月見の際に、曇りが祭りを台無しにするかどうかについて使用）
例文：
- The rain almost ruined our picnic.
「雨で私たちのピクニックはほとんど台無しになりました。」 - Don’t let a small mistake ruin your day.
「小さなミスで一日を台無しにしないでください。」 - Cloudy weather won’t ruin the Otsukimi celebration.
「曇り空でもお月見の祝いが台無しになることはありません。」
enchantment : 名詞
意味: 魅惑、魔法。A feeling of great pleasure or attraction; the state of being under a spell.
（かぐや姫の伝説が、お月見に魅惑的な要素を与えるときに使用）
例文：
- The forest had an air of enchantment at dusk.
「森には夕暮れ時に魅惑的な雰囲気がありました。」 - Kaguya-hime’s story adds enchantment to the Otsukimi festival.
「かぐや姫の物語がお月見に魅惑を加えます。」 - The children listened in enchantment as the story was told.
「子供たちは物語に魅了されながら聞いていました。」