冬至|とうじtouji[0]heiban (flat)
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- nounwinter solstice
- Related一陽来復いちようらいふくWrittenA written four-character idiom for light and warmth returning at 「冬至」, and by extension a lucky turn after the worst of times; it can also name the solstice itself.
- Related南至WrittenAn archaic literary name for 「冬至」, seen in old texts and calendars and in introductions to the solar terms; not used in daily speech.
- Antonym夏至げしNeutralNeutral word for the summer solstice, the day with the longest daylight — the opposite of 「冬至」, the shortest day.
Use 「冬至」 for the winter solstice, the shortest day (pumpkin, yuzu baths). 「一陽来復」 is a literary idiom for light returning after 「冬至」, hence a lucky turn after hard times; 「南至」 is an archaic name seen in old texts; 「夏至」 is the opposite, longest-day solstice.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only


