Translation guide
The English phrase 'last year' refers to the year before the current one. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 去年 (きょねん), but other expressions exist depending on formality and context.
Referring to the year immediately before the current year.
The standard, everyday word for 'last year'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Clarifying the difference between 'last year' and 'the year before last' to avoid common learner mistakes.
去年 (きょねん) is the default, everyday word. 昨年 (さくねん) is formal and often used in business or official writing. In casual conversation, 昨年 can sound stiff.
Last year was a good year.
I started learning Japanese last year.
I went to Japan last year.
Last summer was very hot.
A more formal equivalent of 去年, often used in business, news, or official contexts.
Last year's sales were the highest ever.
Used in statistical or comparative contexts, meaning 'the previous year' relative to a given point. Common in reports.
It's a 10% increase compared to the previous year.
Means 'the year before last'. Learners often confuse this with 'last year'. Note that 去年 is 'last year', while 一昨年 is two years ago.
Do not use 一昨年 for 'last year'. It means 'the year before last'.
The year before last was 2022.
I will report last year's business results.
Last year was a difficult year for many people.