旧きゅう年ねん

noun, adverb

the old year; last year

Refers to the previous year, often used in New Year's greetings or when contrasting with the new year. The reading きゅうねん is more formal; ふるとし is colloquial and often written in kana.

• 旧きゅう年ねん中ちゅうは大たい変へんお世せ話わになりました。

  Thank you very much for your kindness during the past year.

• ふるとしのことは忘わすれて、新あたらしい一いち年ねんを始はじめよう。

  Let's forget about last year and start the new year.