noun, adverb
the previous year; last year
Used in formal, business, or statistical contexts to refer to the year immediately before the current one. Often appears in reports, comparisons, and news articles. Unlike 去年 (きょねん), it is not typically used in casual conversation.
前年の売上を上回った。
Sales exceeded those of the previous year.
前年比で5％増加し
It increased by 5% compared to the previous year.