Summer is a season that evokes feelings of warmth, joy, and adventure. Around the world, different cultures express the essence of summer through unique words that capture the beauty, relaxation, and vibrancy of this sunny season. Let’s take a journey across various languages—English, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, German, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Hindi—to explore some of these wonderful summer words as explained by Hello-Hello which is the leading English language learning app for iOS and Android devices.
English: Sun-kissed
In English, the term “sun-kissed” is often used to describe something touched by the sun, typically skin that has a golden glow after spending time outdoors. It conjures images of lazy days at the beach and the warmth of the sun on your skin.
The French word “fête” means “party” or “celebration.” Summer in France is marked by numerous outdoor fêtes, where people gather to enjoy good food, music, and the warm weather. It’s a time of joyous socializing under the sun.
In Italian, “soleggiato” means “sunny.” This word perfectly captures the essence of the Italian summer, where the days are long and the sun shines brightly. Whether in Rome or on the Amalfi Coast, “soleggiato” days are perfect for enjoying Italy’s beautiful landscapes.
A “chiringuito” in Spanish refers to a small beach bar where people enjoy drinks, tapas, and the sea breeze. These casual, open-air establishments are synonymous with Spanish summer, offering a place to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
In Dutch, the word “zomers” is an adjective that means “summery.” It’s used to describe anything that embodies the spirit of summer, from a light, refreshing dish to a colorful summer dress. The Dutch love to celebrate the fleeting warm days with activities that feel “zomers.”
“Fernweh” is a German word that roughly translates to “wanderlust” or “longing for faraway places.” It’s a feeling that often accompanies summer, as the warm weather invites thoughts of travel and exploration, sparking a desire to see new places.
In Russian, “Лето” (Leto) means “summer.” It’s a simple yet powerful word that encapsulates the joy and freedom of the season. In Russia, summer is a time for dachas (country houses), riverside picnics, and enjoying nature after the long winter.
Japanese: 夏祭り (Natsumatsuri)
In Japanese, “夏祭り” (Natsumatsuri) means “summer festival.” These festivals are a vibrant part of Japanese culture, featuring fireworks, traditional dances, and delicious street food. Natsumatsuri captures the lively and festive spirit of summer in Japan.
The Mandarin word “阳光” (Yángguāng) means “sunshine.” It’s a word that brings to mind the brilliance of a summer day in China, where sunshine is celebrated as a source of warmth and energy.
In Portuguese, “praia” means “beach.” For many in Portugal and Brazil, summer is synonymous with time spent at the praia, where people gather to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the ocean.
In Hindi, “ग्रीष्म” (Grishma) refers to the summer season. It evokes the intense heat and bright sunshine typical of Indian summers. For many, grishma is also a time for mangoes, cool drinks, and the anticipation of the monsoon.
These words from around the world reflect the universal joy that summer brings, each offering a glimpse into how different cultures embrace the season. Whether it’s a “fête” in France, a “natsumatsuri” in Japan, or simply enjoying the “praia” in Portugal, these words remind us of the shared experiences that make summer special.