Let's enjoy learning winter seasonal words! A collection of easy-to-use word ideas for elementary school students

shigure (late autumn/early winter drizzle)

Haiku and the seasonal word “shigure” [winter seasonal word]

A passing shower that falls from late autumn to early winter is called shigure.

It is known as a seasonal word frequently used by Matsuo Basho, famed for his travelogue The Narrow Road to the Deep North.

It is often used to express introspection or loneliness, and many people may imagine something heartrending when this seasonal word appears.

However, since shigure does not last long, that sadness surely won’t endure either.

And when we think of the beauty of a world transformed by a passing shower, perhaps the time spent quietly listening to the voice of one’s heart is something truly wonderful.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

withered field

Haiku and the seasonal word 'Kareno' [Winter seasonal word]

This is a word that describes the landscape of a field from autumn into winter, when plants wither and lose their color.

Grasses turned brown or gray sway in the wind, and the forlorn expanse of the field in the cold winter air evokes a strong sense of stillness and loneliness.

In haiku, it is often used to depict the chill of winter, the quiet of nature, and scenes filled with poignant melancholy or reflection that touch the heart.

Even adding a line like, “That field has already become a withered field,” to a conversation can gently convey the deepening of the season and the calm atmosphere of winter.

Try picturing withered grasses swaying in the wind, a vast sky stretching far into the distance, and a winter landscape illuminated by cold light.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kepiko

Report a problem

snow

Haiku and the seasonal word “snow” [Winter seasonal word]

We often imagine it as something round, but in fact each flake of snow is a beautiful crystal.

It’s a quintessential seasonal word for winter, and it’s used in many ways.

Whether it’s a light dusting that looks ready to melt in the sunlight or snowfall that piles up to the roof, the world that comes into view changes with how you describe it.

If you want to express a specific time—like the beginning of winter or the arrival of deep winter—you can choose terms like “heavy snow” or “light snow” accordingly.

From the scene of snow falling to a beautiful snowy landscape, there are many ways to enjoy the seasonal word that is winter.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

early winter

Haiku and the seasonal word “Early Winter” [Winter seasonal word]

It’s a seasonal word that marks the beginning of winter, while traces of autumn’s air still remain.

It generally refers to the period from around November to early December.

Including this word, winter can be divided into three parts: early winter, midwinter, and late winter.

Since early winter comes first, you can tell it’s a time when the cold isn’t too severe yet.

It’s one of winter’s seasonal words that can be used in many ways—feeling the turn of the seasons, depicting scenes of changing wardrobes, or thinking of a hometown where the cold will soon grow harsher.

What kind of season is early winter to you?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

It’s cold.

Haiku and the seasonal word “samushi” [winter seasonal word]

Kanashi is a kigo that signifies the cold of winter.

Winter is a season of low temperatures when snow may fall, and most people feel the cold on their skin.

Including this kigo conveys the season of winter directly.

It is used not only to state the low temperature succinctly, but also to express the chill felt by the body and a sense of loneliness in the heart.

It also evokes a certain taut, tense atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the gentleness of spring.

Because it can depict winter from various angles and resonates with experiences familiar to everyone, it is one of the more accessible kigo to use.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Koharu

Haiku and the seasonal word “koharu” [winter seasonal word]

Although the kigo koharu contains the character for “spring,” it is nonetheless a bona fide winter season word.

We call those springlike warm days that arrive in autumn or winter koharu-biyori, don’t we? The kigo koharu used in haiku carries the same meaning.

Try expressing with this season word the gentle warmth of sunlight streaming in on a winter’s day, the warmth felt amid the cold, and the soothing sense of peace that brings relief.

Precisely because it is used within the season of winter, it conveys a special feeling, like finding a treasure, and invites an awareness touched by brightness.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

short day

Haiku and the seasonal word “short day” [winter seasonal word]

Tanjitsu, a seasonal word that refers to the short daylight hours of winter.

It’s used to express the early arrival of dusk, the felt brevity of the day, and the emotions tied to that brief span of time.

They say winter’s daylight is several hours shorter than in summer.

Since people generally are active during the light hours, even though every day is 24 hours, winter days may feel more hectic.

Haiku that incorporate tanjitsu as a seasonal word can simply depict winter scenes, or use it as a contrast to a person’s character—there’s a variety, and it’s quite fascinating.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem