Translation guide
In Japanese history, official era names (年号, nengō) are used to count years. Unofficial era names (逸年号, itsunengō) refer to era names that were proposed or used locally but never officially adopted by the imperial court. This guide explains how to refer to such unofficial era names in Japanese.
Referring to a proposed or locally used era name that was not officially recognized
The standard academic term for an unofficial era name. Used in historical and scholarly contexts.
この逸年号は、地方でのみ使われていた。
This unofficial era name was used only locally.
Explaining that a particular era name was not officially adopted
A descriptive phrase meaning 'unofficial era name'. Clear and easily understood in modern contexts.
それは非公式の年号として知られている。
It is known as an unofficial era name.
In everyday conversation, Japanese people rarely discuss unofficial era names. The term 逸年号 is mainly used in historical or academic contexts. If you need to explain the concept to a non-specialist, use 非公式の年号 or describe it as 正式に採用されなかった年号.
Another term for unofficial era names, often used interchangeably with 逸年号. Emphasizes the private or non-governmental nature.
その文書には私年号が記されている。
The document records a private era name.
Literally 'false era name', used for fabricated or spurious era names. Less common and may carry a negative connotation.
これは後世に作られた偽年号だと考えられている。
This is thought to be a false era name created in later times.
Literally 'era name that was not officially adopted'. Useful for clarifying the status of a specific name.
この年号は正式に採用されなかった。
This era name was not officially adopted.