Translation guide
The English word "year" can refer to a calendar year, a period of 12 months, an academic or fiscal year, or someone's age. Japanese uses different words depending on the context, and counting years follows specific patterns.
Referring to a specific year on the calendar, such as when stating dates or talking about events in a particular year.
Expressing a period of 12 months, such as "for one year" or "in a year."
Means "one year" as a duration. Use with particles like 間 (かん) to emphasize the span, though it's often omitted.
Talking about someone's age, such as "I am 20 years old" or "a 5-year-old child."
Referring to a school year or financial year, which in Japan typically starts in April.
Means "fiscal year" or "academic year." Used for periods that do not necessarily match the calendar year, such as the Japanese school year (April to March).
Common time expressions using "year."
Means "this year."
Referring to the New Year holiday or the beginning of the year.
年 (ねん) is for calendar years and durations, while 歳 (さい) is for age. Saying 私は二十歳です (I am 20 years old) is correct; 私は二十年です would mean "I am 20 years" as a duration, which is unnatural.
When counting years, use the on'yomi of numbers with 年: 一年 (いちねん), 二年 (にねん), 三年 (さんねん). For ages, use 歳: 一歳 (いっさい), 二歳 (にさい), 三歳 (さんさい). Note the irregular readings for 1, 8, 10, and 20.
日本に一年住んでいました。
I lived in Japan for one year.
一年間の留学
a one-year study abroad
Attach to a number to express a duration of that many years. For numbers above 10, use the on'yomi reading of the number.
三年待ちました。
I waited for three years.
十年以上前のことです。
It was over ten years ago.
5歳の子供
a 5-year-old child
Attach to a number to state age. Note irregular readings: 1歳 (いっさい), 8歳 (はっさい), 10歳 (じゅっさい/じっさい), 20歳 (はたち).
私は三十歳です。
I am 30 years old.
There is a lot of snow this year.
Means "last year."
去年日本に行きました。
I went to Japan last year.
Means "next year."
来年は大学生になります。
I will become a university student next year.
Means "every year." Also read まいねん in some contexts.
毎年夏に旅行します。
I travel every summer.
Refers to the Japanese New Year celebration, typically the first few days of January. Not used for the Western New Year's Eve party.
お正月に家族と過ごします。
I spend New Year's with my family.