Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
年明け (としあけ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 20,000 Meanings 1
noun
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.
そう
だ
。
It looks like it'll be busy right after the New Year.
Similar words 年ねん 末まつ 年末 means the end of the year, while 年明け refers to the beginning of the year.
新しん 年ねん 新年 is a more formal term for the New Year, often used in greetings and official contexts, whereas 年明け is more casual and focuses on the transition into the new year.
Etymology Compound of 年 (とし, 'year') and 明け (あけ, 'beginning' or 'opening'), the nominalized form of 明ける (あける, 'to dawn' or 'to begin'). Literally 'the dawning of the year'.
