真夏

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 真夏, read まなつ, and it combines 真, meaning the height or very midst, with 夏, meaning summer.
• Basic usage: The basic sense of 真夏 is midsummer, the central period when summer heat is especially pronounced.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The height of summer rather than the whole season
  • Both examples use the form 真夏. It emphasizes the hottest central part of summer rather than the entire season.
• Midday heat and festival timing
  • 真夏の昼は日陰でも暑かった。 — Even the shade was hot at midday in midsummer.
  • この祭りは毎年真夏に開かれる。 — This festival is held every year in midsummer.