january - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
january Word Meanings
- the first month of the year
- a time associated with new beginnings
- often cold and wintery in the northern hemisphere
january Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
january Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈdʒæn.jʊ.ə.ri/
US
/ˈdʒæn.juˌɛr.i/
january Word Etymology
Janus = two-faced (god of beginnings) + -ary = relating to. Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a two-faced god looking forward and backward, representing new beginnings.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I move a finger across the calendar and turn the page to January. The room feels a touch colder as the year shifts. I adjust my plans, letting a sense of fresh starting settle in my chest. I keep going by placing small goals, changing a routine, and acting on it day by day.
Real Context
January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, a time many people set goals, make plans, and reflect on the year just finished. In English, January often carries wintry imagery in the northern hemisphere, with cold air, snow, and longer nights, while the southern hemisphere experiences summer. The month also anchors routine: schools reopen after holidays, budgets reset, and new projects begin. The word itself signals beginnings and time passing: a chance to start fresh, to adjust habits, and to look forward to the months ahead. For learners, January is a good anchor for seasonal vocabulary and calendar-related phrases.
Usage Reminders
- 1) January is a proper noun and is capitalized.
- 2) Use January when talking about the month.
- 3) Say 'in January' for time within the month.
- 4) Note the season varies by hemisphere.
- 5) Abbreviate as Jan. in informal writing.
Common Misconceptions
- January is the coldest month everywhere.
- January always starts on the same day of the week.
- The year resets exactly on January 1 in all cultures.
- January has fewer days than February.
- January is always the middle of winter.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often frame January as a fresh start and winter month in the north; learners may overgeneralize cold everywhere or misinterpret seasonal cues.
Learning Tips
- Link January with winter vocabulary (cold, snow, night).
- Practice phrases: in January, at the start of January, during January.
- Compare with other months to highlight order (February follows January).
- Learn key collocations: January sales, January 1st, New Year's resolutions.
- Listen for pronunciation: /ˈdʒæn. juˌɛr. i/ and stress on JAN-u-ary.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following is a correct usage of 'january'?
A.I love eating january for breakfast.
B.Her birthday is in january.
C.We went swimming in january.
D.The sky is january today.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'january'?
A.December
B.February
C.Spring
D.Autumn
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-world context would you hear 'january'?
A.Ordering food at a restaurant
B.Discussing travel plans
C.Talking about the weather
D.Watching a movie
Step 5: Mastery
Can you use 'january' in a sentence?
A.Sure, january is the first month of the year.
B.I saw a january in the zoo yesterday.
C.Let's go january shopping this weekend.
D.The color of the sky is so january.
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