expiration of a term of service; completion of an apprenticeship
Refers to the end of a fixed period of service, such as an apprenticeship, indentured labor, or a contractual work term. Often used in historical or traditional contexts.
He finally became independent after completing his apprenticeship.
As a celebration of finishing his term, he was given tools by his master.
年季 refers to the term of service itself, while 年季明け refers to the end or completion of that term.
年季奉公 is the system of indentured service for a fixed term; 年季明け is the point when that service ends.
Standard kanji spelling.
Alternate kanji spelling; 年季 is more common.
Compound of 年季 (nenki, 'term of years') and 明け (ake, 'end, expiration').