年明け
Meanings
1
beginning of the year; early in the New Year
Refers to the period right after the New Year begins, typically the first few days or weeks of January. Often used in contexts like schedules, plans, or events happening at the start of the year.
A new project starts at the beginning of the year.
It looks like it'll be busy right after the New Year.
Usage patterns
- 年明けに〈事〉something happens/starts at the beginning of the new year
The new project will start at the beginning of the new year.
- 年明けから〈動詞〉to start doing something from the beginning of the new year
I'm planning to start a new job from the beginning of the new year.
- 年明けを迎えるto welcome/greet the New Year
The whole family welcomed the New Year together.
- 年明け早々right at the very start of the new year
A major accident happened right at the start of the new year.
Expressions
- 年明けるthe new year begins; the New Year dawns