Translation guide
In Japanese, 'beginning of the year' is most commonly expressed as 年始 (nenshi) or 年初 (nensho). The choice depends on context: 年始 is used for the New Year period and greetings, while 年初 is more formal and often used in business or written contexts. For specific dates, 年の初め (toshi no hajime) is a natural phrase.
Referring to the start of the year in a general sense, such as in greetings or casual conversation.
Commonly used for the New Year period, especially in greetings like 年始の挨拶 (New Year's greetings). It implies the first few days or weeks of the year.
I will send New Year's greetings.
A more literal phrase meaning 'the beginning of the year.' It can be used in various contexts, including personal reflections or plans.
I set goals at the beginning of the year.
Formal term often used in business, economic reports, or written contexts. It refers to the start of the calendar or fiscal year.
We announced the plan for the beginning of the year.
Specifically referring to New Year's Day or the holiday season around January 1st.
Refers to the New Year's holiday period, typically the first few days of January. It is the most common term for the cultural celebration.
I spend New Year's with my family.
Specifically means New Year's Day (January 1st). It is more formal and often used in calendars or official contexts.
Referring to the beginning of a fiscal or academic year, which in Japan often starts in April.
Means 'beginning of the fiscal/academic year.' Used in business and educational contexts. Note that the Japanese fiscal year starts in April.
We set the budget at the beginning of the fiscal year.
Accounting term for the beginning of a financial period. Very formal and technical.
年始 (nenshi) is the most common for New Year's greetings and the holiday period. 年初 (nensho) is formal and used in business reports. 年の初め (toshi no hajime) is a neutral phrase for any beginning of the year context.
Avoid directly translating 'beginning of the year' as 年の始まり (toshi no hajimari) in most contexts; it sounds unnatural. Use 年始 or 年の初め instead.
元日は祝日です。
New Year's Day is a national holiday.
We check the inventory at the beginning of the period.