年間
Meanings
1
period of a year; for a year; throughout the year
Used as a noun or adverbially for a one-year span, often after a number as in 一年間, 三年間, or in phrases such as 年間を通じて.
He worked in Japan for one year.
This region gets a lot of rain throughout the year.
2
during the era of; in the years of
Suffix attached to era, reign, or historical period names, as in 江戸年間 or 寛永年間. It is most common in historical or formal descriptions.
It is said that this temple was built during the Edo years.
Usage patterns
- 〈数〉年間for ... years
He lived in America for three years.
- 〈時〉年間during the ... era
Many castles were built during the Kan'ei era.
- 年間を通じてthroughout the year
This region is mild throughout the year.
- 〈数〉年間で〈数〉within a span of ... years, (something happens)
The population doubled over a span of five years.
Expressions
- 何年間もfor many years; for years