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.
I lived in Japan for one year.
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.
I waited for three years.
It was over ten years ago.
He is 20 years old.
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).
I am 30 years old.
the budget for fiscal year 2024
this academic year's classes
今年は雪が多い。
There is a lot of snow this year.
Means "last year."
I went to Japan last year.
Means "next year."
I will become a university student next year.
Means "every year." Also read まいねん in some contexts.
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.
I spend New Year's with my family.
Means "new year" in a more formal or written context, often used in greetings like 新年あけましておめでとうございます.
New Year's resolution