満月（まんげつ、mangetsu）
- full moon

The Japanese word 満月 まんげつ refers to a "full moon". It describes the phase of the moon when it appears as a complete, illuminated circle in the night sky. The full moon is a time when the moon is fully lit by the sun as seen from Earth. It's often associated with beauty, completion, and certain natural phenomena.

⚫︎今夜は満月ですね。 Translation: The moon is full tonight, isn't it? ⚫︎満月の夜は、空が明るい。 Translation: The sky is bright on a full moon night. ⚫︎満月が海に映っている。 Translation: The full moon is reflected in the sea.

This word is used to describe the astronomical phenomenon of the full moon. It can be used in general conversation to comment on the appearance of the moon, or in more specific contexts to discuss lunar cycles, tides, or cultural beliefs associated with the full moon. You can use it when observing the moon or when talking about it.

満月 is typically written with the kanji 満 (man - full, complete) and 月 (getsu/tsuki - moon). The reading is まんげつ in hiragana. There are no other common ways to write this word or variations in okurigana.

There are no direct synonyms for "full moon" in the same way, but phrases that describe it could include: ⚫︎月が丸い (tsuki ga marui) - The moon is round. ⚫︎月の光 (tsuki no hikari) - Moonlight

There aren't direct antonyms for 満月, but you could consider the opposite phases of the moon: ⚫︎ 新月 しんげつ (shingetsu) - New moon (when the moon is not visible)

来週の金曜日は満月になる予定です。 ・Translation: The full moon is expected to occur next Friday. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 満月 to specify the lunar phase and the date on which it will occur.

満月の夜は、狼男が現れるという伝説がある。 ・Translation: There is a legend that werewolves appear on full moon nights. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 満月 in a cultural context, referring to a common association between full moons and supernatural folklore.

The word 満月 is composed of two kanji: 満, meaning "full" or "complete," and 月, meaning "moon." Therefore, 満月 literally means "full moon." The combination of these kanji clearly and directly describes the phase of the moon.