あき

fall (season)

JLPT N5

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The character primarily means "autumn" or "fall," referring to the season characterized by cooler weather and falling leaves. It is also used as a Chinese surname, pronounced "Qiu."

Common Contexts

  • As a season word, is often used in weather descriptions, cultural references, and seasonal activities.
  • As a surname, appears in personal names and formal introductions.

Collocations and Patterns

  • (qiūtiān): autumn season
  • (qiūfēng): autumn wind
  • (qiūshōu): autumn harvest

Usage Notes

When used as a season, often appears with (day/season) to specify "autumn." As a surname, it is less common but important to recognize in names. Avoid confusing with (spring), (summer), or (winter), which denote other seasons.

Common Confusion

as a surname is less frequent than its seasonal meaning. In spoken or written contexts, the meaning is usually clear from context, but when encountering in a name, remember it is a family name, not the season.

Example Sentences

The leaves turn yellow in autumn.

His surname is Qiu; he is a new classmate in our class.

The autumn wind blows, bringing a hint of coolness.