こどもの日を英語で説明・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、こどもの日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。
- こどもの日とは
- 毎年5月5日に行われる日本の国民の祝日で、こどもの健康と成長を願う日です。
- 元々は男の子の成長を祝う「端午の節句」として知られていました。
- 鯉のぼり
- こどもの日に家の外や庭に飾られる、鯉を模した色とりどりの旗です。これはこどもたちが困難を乗り越えて成長することを願う象徴です。
- 兜と鎧
- 武士が戦いで身を守るための防具の飾り物で、勇気と力強さをこどもたちに願うために飾られます。
- 柏餅とちまき
- こどもの日に食べられる伝統的な食べ物です。柏餅はもち米で作られ、柏の葉で包まれた和菓子です。ちまきは竹の葉で包んだもち米の食べ物です。
- 菖蒲湯
- 菖蒲の葉を浮かべたお風呂に入ることで、邪気を払い健康を祈る習慣です。
こどもの日について話しています。
特に、鯉のぼり、兜や鎧の飾り、柏餅やちまき、菖蒲湯といった伝統的な風習を話題にしています。
また、会話の中で、加須市の巨大な鯉のぼりにも触れています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, this Sunday is Children’s Day, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s originally called “Tango no Sekku,” mainly a day to celebrate children’s growth and happiness.
Right! Families put up koinobori, those carp streamers, to wish their kids strength. It symbolizes the carp that swims upstream and transforms into a dragon.
I love that symbolism. And don’t forget the samurai armor and helmets—displayed to inspire bravery and strength in kids.
I’m actually thinking of going to Kazo City to see the giant koinobori. I heard it’s quite a sight with a giant koi streamer hanging over the Tone River.
That sounds amazing! You should definitely check it out. The festival really brings the community together. Plus, it’s a fantastic photo op.
What about the special food? I want to try kashiwamochi and chimaki.
Kashiwamochi is mochi with sweet bean paste, wrapped in oak leaves. It’s delicious and the leaves represent growth. Chimaki is another one, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves—both very traditional on this day.
And the iris baths, shobuyu, right? They take those baths to repel evil spirits, as irises are believed to have purifying effects.
Exactly. It’s all about protecting and nurturing children. So much culture wrapped up in one day!
Absolutely. Celebrating Children’s Day gives us a chance to learn more about Japanese traditions and participate in something truly special.
You’ll have a great time in Kazo. It’s a unique way to experience Japanese culture and see how local communities celebrate their kids.
Thanks, Key! I’m really looking forward to it. Maybe next year, you can join me?
Count me in! It sounds like a wonderful tradition to experience firsthand. Let’s plan for it.
関連情報 / related information
「こどもの日」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
こどもの日
Introduction to Children’s Day
Children’s Day in Japan is a national holiday celebrated on May 5th each year. This day is dedicated to celebrating the health and growth of children. Originally, it was known as “Tango no Sekku” and primarily focused on boys’ growth and success.
Traditions and Decorations
One of the most iconic symbols of Children’s Day are the “koinobori,” which are colorful carp-shaped streamers. Families hang these streamers outside their homes to symbolize strength and the ability of children to overcome challenges, much like a carp swimming upstream. Inside the home, samurai helmets (kabuto) and armor (yoroi) are displayed to inspire bravery and strength in children.
Special Foods
Children’s Day is also associated with special foods. “Kashiwamochi,” a sweet rice cake wrapped in oak leaves, and “chimaki,” a sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, are traditional treats. These foods are enjoyed as part of the celebration, each carrying symbolic meanings of health and prosperity.
Cultural Significance
The day also includes taking baths with iris leaves, known as “shobuyu.” This practice is believed to purify and protect children from evil spirits. Children’s Day is not only a fun holiday but also a deep cultural practice that involves family participation, aiming to foster strength, health, and success in the lives of children.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「こどもの日」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 Children's Day in Japan?
Children's Day in Japan is a national holiday celebrated on May 5th every year. It is a day dedicated to celebrating the health, growth, and happiness of children.
2: Why do Japanese families fly koinobori on Children's Day?
Families fly koinobori, which are carp-shaped streamers, to symbolize the wish for their children to grow up strong and courageous, just like a carp swimming upstream.
3: What are the traditional decorations used on Children's Day?
Traditional decorations for Children's Day include koinobori (carp streamers), kabuto (samurai helmets), and yoroi (samurai armor), which symbolize strength and bravery.
4: What is special about the food eaten on Children's Day?
Special foods eaten on Children's Day include kashiwamochi (rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves) and chimaki (rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves), both symbolizing health and longevity.
5: What is the historical origin of Children's Day?
Children's Day originates from an ancient Chinese festival that celebrated the health and strength of boys. It was introduced to Japan and became known as Tango no Sekku before being designated as a national holiday in 1948.
6: How do families typically celebrate Children's Day?
Families typically celebrate Children's Day by setting up decorations like koinobori and samurai armor, taking baths in shobuyu (iris-infused water), and enjoying a meal of traditional foods.
7: What is shobuyu, and why is it significant on Children's Day?
Shobuyu refers to a bath infused with iris leaves, believed to have purifying properties and to protect children from evil spirits.
8: Are there any particular activities or events associated with Children's Day?
Apart from displaying decorations and preparing special foods, many families and communities hold events such as sports and arts activities to celebrate children and their talents.
9: How is Children's Day different from other children’s festivals in Japan?
Unlike other children’s festivals that might focus on specific traditions or local customs, Children's Day is a national holiday with a strong focus on the well-being and future success of all children.
10: What is the significance of samurai armor and helmets on Children's Day?
Samurai armor and helmets, known as kabuto and yoroi, are displayed in homes to inspire strength, bravery, and the warrior spirit among children, reflecting hopes for their strong and successful future.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, this Sunday is Children’s Day, isn’t it?
ねえ、Key、今度の日曜日は子どもの日だよね？
Yes, it’s originally called “Tango no Sekku,” mainly a day to celebrate children’s growth and happiness.
そうだよ、元々「端午の節句」と呼ばれていて、主に子どもたちの成長と幸福を祝う日だよ。
Right! Families put up koinobori, those carp streamers, to wish their kids strength. It symbolizes the carp that swims upstream and transforms into a dragon.
そうだね！家族は子どもたちの強さを願って鯉のぼりを飾るんだ。それは上流に泳ぎ、龍に変わる鯉を象徴しているんだ。
I love that symbolism. And don’t forget the samurai armor and helmets—displayed to inspire bravery and strength in kids.
その象徴が好きだよ。そして、子どもたちに勇気と力を与えるために飾られる兜や鎧を忘れないでね。
I’m actually thinking of going to Kazo City to see the giant koinobori. I heard it’s quite a sight with a giant koi streamer hanging over the Tone River.
実は加須市に行って巨大な鯉のぼりを見に行こうと思ってるんだ。利根川に掛かる巨大な鯉のぼりを見ると、それは本当に素晴らしい光景だって聞いたよ。
That sounds amazing! You should definitely check it out. The festival really brings the community together. Plus, it’s a fantastic photo op.
それは素晴らしいね！絶対に行ってみるべきだよ。その祭りは本当にコミュニティを一つにするし、写真を撮るにも最高のチャンスだよ。
What about the special food? I want to try kashiwamochi and chimaki.
特別な食べ物はどうなの？柏餅とちまきを試してみたいんだ。
Kashiwamochi is mochi with sweet bean paste, wrapped in oak leaves. It’s delicious and the leaves represent growth. Chimaki is another one, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves—both very traditional on this day.
柏餅はオークの葉で包まれた甘い豆のペーストが入った餅だよ。とても美味しいし、葉は成長を象徴しているんだ。ちまきももう一つで、竹の葉で包まれたもち米だよ—どちらもこの日にはとても伝統的な食べ物だよ。
And the iris baths, shobuyu, right? They take those baths to repel evil spirits, as irises are believed to have purifying effects.
そして菖蒲湯もあるよね？菖蒲には浄化の効果があると信じられているから、悪霊を払うためにその湯に入るんだ。
Exactly. It’s all about protecting and nurturing children. So much culture wrapped up in one day!
その通りだよ。すべては子どもたちを守り、育てるためのものさ。一日でこんなにも多くの文化が詰まっているんだ！
Absolutely. Celebrating Children’s Day gives us a chance to learn more about Japanese traditions and participate in something truly special.
まったく、その通りだ。子どもの日を祝うことで、日本の伝統についてもっと学び、本当に特別なことに参加するチャンスが得られるんだ。
You’ll have a great time in Kazo. It’s a unique way to experience Japanese culture and see how local communities celebrate their kids.
加須市で素晴らしい時間を過ごせるよ。日本の文化を体験し、地元のコミュニティがどのように子どもたちを祝うかを見るユニークな方法だよ。
Thanks, Key! I’m really looking forward to it. Maybe next year, you can join me?
ありがとう、Key！本当に楽しみにしてるよ。来年、一緒に行ってくれないか？
Count me in! It sounds like a wonderful tradition to experience firsthand. Let’s plan for it.
もちろんだ！その素晴らしい伝統を直接体験するのは良さそうだね。計画を立てよう。
関連情報 / related information
こどもの日
Introduction to Children’s Day
Children’s Day in Japan is a national holiday celebrated on May 5th each year. This day is dedicated to celebrating the health and growth of children. Originally, it was known as “Tango no Sekku” and primarily focused on boys’ growth and success.
こどもの日の紹介
日本のこどもの日は、毎年5月5日に行われる国民の祝日です。この日はこどもたちの健康と成長を祝うために捧げられています。元々は「端午の節句」と呼ばれ、主に男の子の成長と成功に焦点を当てていました。
Traditions and Decorations
One of the most iconic symbols of Children’s Day are the “koinobori,” which are colorful carp-shaped streamers. Families hang these streamers outside their homes to symbolize strength and the ability of children to overcome challenges, much like a carp swimming upstream. Inside the home, samurai helmets (kabuto) and armor (yoroi) are displayed to inspire bravery and strength in children.
伝統と飾りつけ
こどもの日の最も象徴的なシンボルの一つは「鯉のぼり」です。これはカラフルな鯉の形をした旗で、家族はこれを家の外に吊るして、こどもたちが困難を乗り越える力と勇気を象徴します。家の中では、兜（かぶと）や鎧（よろい）が展示され、こどもたちに勇気と力を与えることを意図しています。
Special Foods
Children’s Day is also associated with special foods. “Kashiwamochi,” a sweet rice cake wrapped in oak leaves, and “chimaki,” a sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, are traditional treats. These foods are enjoyed as part of the celebration, each carrying symbolic meanings of health and prosperity.
特別な食べ物
こどもの日には特別な食べ物も関連しています。「柏餅（かしわもち）」はオークの葉で包まれた甘い餅、そして「ちまき」は竹の葉で包まれたもち米の団子です。これらの食べ物は祝祭の一部として楽しまれ、それぞれ健康と繁栄の象徴的な意味を持っています。
Cultural Significance
The day also includes taking baths with iris leaves, known as “shobuyu.” This practice is believed to purify and protect children from evil spirits. Children’s Day is not only a fun holiday but also a deep cultural practice that involves family participation, aiming to foster strength, health, and success in the lives of children.
文化的な意義
この日には、菖蒲の葉で入浴する「菖蒲湯（しょうぶゆ）」も行われます。この習慣はこどもたちを浄化し、悪霊から守ると信じられています。こどもの日は楽しい祝日だけでなく、家族が参加する深い文化的な実践でもあり、こどもたちの人生において力、健康、成功を育むことを目指しています。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Children's Day in Japan?
日本のこどもの日とは何ですか？
Children's Day in Japan is a national holiday celebrated on May 5th every year. It is a day dedicated to celebrating the health, growth, and happiness of children.
日本のこどもの日は、毎年5月5日に祝われる国民の祝日です。こどもたちの健康、成長、そして幸福を祝う日です。
2: Why do Japanese families fly koinobori on Children's Day?
なぜ日本の家庭はこどもの日に鯉のぼりを揚げるのですか？
Families fly koinobori, which are carp-shaped streamers, to symbolize the wish for their children to grow up strong and courageous, just like a carp swimming upstream.
家族は鯉の形をした鯉のぼりを揚げて、こどもたちが上流に泳ぐ鯉のように強く勇敢に成長することを願っています。
3: What are the traditional decorations used on Children's Day?
こどもの日に使用される伝統的な装飾は何ですか？
Traditional decorations for Children's Day include koinobori (carp streamers), kabuto (samurai helmets), and yoroi (samurai armor), which symbolize strength and bravery.
こどもの日の伝統的な装飾には、鯉のぼり（鯉の形をした旗）、兜（侍の兜）、鎧（侍の鎧）があり、これらは力と勇気を象徴しています。
4: What is special about the food eaten on Children's Day?
こどもの日に食べられる食べ物の特別な点は何ですか？
Special foods eaten on Children's Day include kashiwamochi (rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves) and chimaki (rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves), both symbolizing health and longevity.
こどもの日に食べられる特別な食べ物には、柏餅（柏の葉で包まれた餅）とちまき（竹の葉で包まれた餅）があり、どちらも健康と長寿を象徴しています。
5: What is the historical origin of Children's Day?
こどもの日の歴史的な起源は何ですか？
Children's Day originates from an ancient Chinese festival that celebrated the health and strength of boys. It was introduced to Japan and became known as Tango no Sekku before being designated as a national holiday in 1948.
こどもの日は、男の子の健康と強さを祝う古代中国の祭りに由来します。それが日本に伝えられ、端午の節句として知られるようになり、1948年に国民の祝日として指定されました。
6: How do families typically celebrate Children's Day?
家族は通常、こどもの日をどのように祝いますか？
Families typically celebrate Children's Day by setting up decorations like koinobori and samurai armor, taking baths in shobuyu (iris-infused water), and enjoying a meal of traditional foods.
家族は通常、鯉のぼりや侍の鎧などの装飾を設置し、しょうぶ湯（菖蒲が入ったお風呂）に入り、伝統的な食事を楽しむことで子どもの日を祝います。
7: What is shobuyu, and why is it significant on Children's Day?
しょうぶ湯とは何であり、なぜこどもの日に重要なのですか？
Shobuyu refers to a bath infused with iris leaves, believed to have purifying properties and to protect children from evil spirits.
しょうぶ湯は、浄化の効果があると信じられている菖蒲の葉が入ったお風呂を指し、こどもを悪霊から守るとされています。
8: Are there any particular activities or events associated with Children's Day?
こどもの日に関連する特定の活動やイベントはありますか？
Apart from displaying decorations and preparing special foods, many families and communities hold events such as sports and arts activities to celebrate children and their talents.
装飾を飾り、特別な食べ物を用意することに加えて、多くの家族やコミュニティは、こどもたちとその才能を祝うためにスポーツや芸術活動などのイベントを開催します。
9: How is Children's Day different from other children’s festivals in Japan?
こどもの日は日本の他のこどもの祭りとどう違いますか？
Unlike other children’s festivals that might focus on specific traditions or local customs, Children's Day is a national holiday with a strong focus on the well-being and future success of all children.
特定の伝統や地元の習慣に焦点を当てる他の子どもの祭りとは異なり、こどもの日はすべての子どもの幸福と将来の成功に強く焦点を当てた国民の祝日です。
10: What is the significance of samurai armor and helmets on Children's Day?
こどもの日における侍の鎧と兜の意義は何ですか？
Samurai armor and helmets, known as kabuto and yoroi, are displayed in homes to inspire strength, bravery, and the warrior spirit among children, reflecting hopes for their strong and successful future.
侍の鎧と兜（かぶととよろい）は、家庭で展示され、こどもたちに力、勇気、戦士の精神を鼓舞し、彼らの強く成功した未来を願っています。
words & phrases
photo op : 名詞 /ˈfoʊ.t̬oʊ ˌɑːp/
意味: 写真撮影の機会。An opportunity to take a photograph, especially one that is arranged to provide favorable publicity.
（特定のイベントで写真撮影の良い機会を指す）
例文：
The visit to the ancient castle was a great photo op.
「古城の訪問は素晴らしい写真撮影の機会でした。」
Celebrities often have photo ops at major events.
「セレブリティは主要なイベントでよく写真撮影の機会を持ちます。」
He arranged a photo op to promote his new book.
「彼は新しい本を宣伝するために写真撮影の機会を設けました。」
oak : 名詞 /oʊk/
意味: オーク、ナラ。A type of large tree that is common in northern parts of the world, or the wood of this tree.
（文脈での使用：柏餅の説明で、オークの葉で餅を包む習慣に言及する）
例文：
The old oak tree has stood in the village for centuries.
「その古いオークの木は何世紀もの間、村に立っています。」
Furniture made of oak is very durable.
「オークで作られた家具は非常に耐久性があります。」
Oak leaves are used to wrap kashiwamochi in Japan.
「日本ではオークの葉を使って柏餅を包みます。」
repel : 動詞
意味: 追い払う、撃退する。To drive or force back; to ward off.
（菖蒲湯に入ることで悪霊を追い払うという信仰に言及する）
例文：
The spray is used to repel insects.
「そのスプレーは虫を追い払うために使われます。」
His rude behavior repels many people.
「彼の無礼な行動は多くの人を遠ざけます。」
Iris leaves are believed to repel evil spirits in Japan.
「日本では菖蒲の葉は悪霊を追い払うと信じられています。」
dumpling : 名詞
意味: 団子。A small piece of dough, often wrapped around a filling, that is cooked and served as part of a meal.
（子どもの日にちまきを食べる習慣に言及する）
例文：
She made delicious dumplings for dinner.
「彼女は夕食に美味しい団子を作りました。」
Dumplings are a popular dish in many cultures.
「団子は多くの文化で人気のある料理です。」
In Japan, chimaki is a type of dumpling eaten on Children’s Day.
「日本では、子どもの日にちまきという種類の団子が食べられます。」
treats : 名詞
意味: ごちそう、楽しいもの。Something enjoyable or special, often something to eat.
（子どもの日に特別な食べ物として柏餅やちまきを挙げる）
例文：
We bought some chocolate treats for the kids.
「子供たちのためにいくつかのチョコレートのおやつを買いました。」
He always brings little treats for his coworkers.
「彼はいつも同僚のために小さなおやつを持ってきます。」
Special treats like kashiwamochi are enjoyed on Children’s Day in Japan.
「柏餅のような特別なおやつは、日本の子どもの日に楽しまれます。」