五月
wǔ yuè
May
五月 (wǔyuè) is the name for the fifth month of the year, May, in Mandarin Chinese. It is used in all contexts to refer to this specific month.
What does 五月 (wǔ yuè) mean?
五月 (wǔ yuè) means “may” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “five month.”
When to use it
Neutral and universally understood. To refer to a specific date in May, you would say 五月 followed by the day, e.g., 五月一日 (wǔyuè yīrì) for May 1st.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “woo-YEW-eh.” The first syllable “woo” has a dipping third tone, and “yew-eh” is a falling fourth tone.
Other ways to say it
- 一月yí yuèJanuary
- 六月liù yuèJune
- 每个月měi ge yuèevery month
Examples
五月的天气很舒服。
wǔ yuè de tiānqì hěn shūfu.
The weather in May is very comfortable.
我们五月去北京。
wǒmen wǔ yuè qù Běijīng.
We are going to Beijing in May.
五月一日是劳动节。
wǔ yuè yí rì shì Láodòngjié.
May 1st is Labor Day.
Pro tip: Months in Chinese are straightforward: simply combine the number (一 to 十二) with 月 (yuè, “month”).
Related phrases
三月 · March四月 · April六月 · June
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