Kanji 瀬 rapids, current, torrent Related words 年末 is the plain, neutral term for year-end, while 年の瀬 is a more literary expression evoking the bustle and urgency of the year's final days.
年の瀬 and 年の暮れ are near-synonyms both meaning 'the end of the year,' but 年の瀬 appears mainly in set phrases like 年の瀬を迎える , while 年の暮れ is used more freely in daily speech.
Written forms 年とし の 瀬せ Usage 100%
Standard kanji spelling; the most common written form.
歳とし の 瀬せ
Alternate kanji spelling using 歳 ; less common but still encountered.
Etymology The expression combines 年 (year) and 瀬 (shallows, rapids), metaphorically likening the end of the year to a swift, narrow passage that must be crossed. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it has been used since at least the Edo period.
Report an issue with this page
Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.