Translation guide
In Japanese, 'end of the year' is most commonly expressed as 年末 (ねんまつ). Depending on context, you may also use 年の暮れ (としのくれ) for a more poetic feel, or 年度末 (ねんどまつ) for fiscal/academic year-end.
Referring to the end of the calendar year (December), in general or as a time period.
Referring to the end of a fiscal year (often March in Japan) or an academic year.
Referring to specific events, parties, or customs held at the end of the year.
年末 (ねんまつ) refers to the end of the calendar year (December), while 年度末 (ねんどまつ) refers to the end of a fiscal or academic year, which in Japan is often March. Use 年末 for general December contexts, and 年度末 for business or school year-end matters.
Instead of directly translating 'at the end of the year,' use 年末に (ねんまつに) or 年の暮れに (としのくれに). For 'by the end of the year,' use 年末までに (ねんまつまでに).
このレポートを年末までに終わらせなければなりません。
I have to finish this report by the end of the year.
年の暮れは反省の時です。
The end of the year is a time for reflection.
The standard, neutral word for the end of the calendar year. Used in everyday conversation, news, and business.
年末はいつも忙しい。
I'm always busy at the end of the year.
年末に大掃除をします。
We do a big cleaning at the end of the year.
A slightly more literary or emotional expression for the year's end, evoking the closing days of the year. Common in greetings and reflective contexts.
年の暮れに故郷へ帰る。
I return to my hometown at the year's end.
Literally 'the rapids of the year,' a poetic term for the busy, rushing final days of the year. Often used in set phrases like 年の瀬を迎える.
年の瀬を迎え、何かと気ぜわしい。
As the year draws to a close, things feel hectic.
Specifically the end of a fiscal or academic year. In Japan, this is typically March 31st for many institutions.
年度末は決算で忙しい。
The end of the fiscal year is busy with accounting.
年度末に卒業式があります。
There is a graduation ceremony at the end of the academic year.
End of a term or semester. Often used in academic or business contexts for the end of a specific period.
期末試験は来週です。
The end-of-term exams are next week.
A year-end party, literally 'forget-the-year gathering.' Very common in Japanese workplaces and social circles.
今週の金曜日は忘年会です。
This Friday is the end-of-year party.
The year-end and New Year period as a whole. Often used when talking about holidays or travel plans.
年末年始は海外旅行に行きます。
I'm going on an overseas trip during the year-end and New Year holidays.