下旬

げじゅん

month (last third of)

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"下旬" (げじゅん) refers to the last third of a month, typically the final 10 days or roughly days 21 to 30/31. It is commonly used in formal or business contexts to specify timing within a month.

Common Collocations

  • "今月の下旬" (this month's last third): specifying a time frame within the current month.
  • "毎月の下旬" (every month's last third): used when describing recurring monthly events.
  • "下旬に〜する" (do something in the last third): a common pattern to indicate when an action will take place.

Usage Notes

When using "下旬," it is often paired with a month or a specific time frame to clarify when something happens. It contrasts with "上旬" (じょうじゅん, first third) and "中旬" (ちゅうじゅん, middle third).

Learners sometimes confuse "下旬" with "末" (まつ), which also means the end of the month but can imply the very last few days rather than the entire last third. "下旬" is broader and more formal.

Register

"下旬" is neutral to formal and frequently appears in written communication, schedules, announcements, and business contexts rather than casual conversation.

Example Sentences

こんげつのげじゅんにりょこうにいくよていです。

I plan to go on a trip in the last third of this month.

きゅうりょうはまいつきのげじゅんにしはらわれます。

Salaries are paid in the last third of every month.

げじゅんになるときおんがすこしさがります。

The temperature drops a little in the last third of the month.