Learning how to express “last year” in Japanese is a useful way to enhance your communication skills and engage in conversations about past events. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of saying “last year” in Japanese, providing you with tips, examples, and even regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say “Last Year” in Japanese
When using a more formal approach or speaking with people you are not familiar with, consider the following phrases to express “last year”:
1. Kyonen (去年)
Kyonen is the standard formal term for “last year” in Japanese. It consists of two kanji characters: “kyo” meaning “gone” or “past” and “nen” meaning “year.” It is widely used in formal contexts, such as business meetings, official documents, or when addressing superiors.
Example: 彼に会ったのは去年の夏でした。(Kare ni atta no wa kyonen no natsu deshita.)
Translation: I met him last summer.
2. Senshuu no nen (先週の年)
Senshuu no nen is a slightly more polite and formal expression compared to kyonen. It combines “senshuu” meaning “last week” and “nen” meaning “year.”
Example: 会議は先週の年に行われました。(Kaigi wa senshuu no nen ni okonawaremashita.)
Translation: The meeting took place last week.
Informal Ways to Say “Last Year” in Japanese
In casual conversations with friends, family, or peers, you can use less formal phrases to express “last year.” These expressions are more relaxed and reflect the friendly tone of informal speech.
1. Kyou no kyonen (今日の去年)
Kyou no kyonen is a colloquial way to say “last year” in informal conversations. It literally translates to “yesterday’s last year” and adds a casual touch to the expression.
Example: 去年の誕生日、どう過ごしたの？ (Kyonen no tanjoubi, dou sugoshita no?)
Translation: How did you spend your birthday last year?
2. Kono mae (この前)
Another informal phrase to express “last year” is kono mae, which means “recently” or “the other day.” It implies an event happened some time ago, including events from the previous year.
Example: その映画を見たのはこの前だよ。(Sono eiga o mita no wa kono mae da yo.)
Translation: I saw that movie the other day (recently).
Regional Variations
While the above phrases are commonly used throughout Japan, there might be slight regional differences as well. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Kozo
In Tohoku region, specifically in Miyagi prefecture, “kozo” is used instead of “kyonen.” It carries the same meaning but is unique to that area. It is delightful to learn regional variations while exploring different dialects.
2. Koharu
In some parts of Okinawa, “koharu” is an alternative phrase for “last year.” Although not widely used, it exists within the local dialect of the region. Being aware of these variations can enrich your understanding of the cultural diversity within Japan.
Conclusion
Congratulations on exploring different ways to say “last year” in Japanese! Now you have a strong foundation to express past events, whether in a formal or informal setting. Remember to adjust your language based on your audience and the context of your conversation. By incorporating these expressions into your Japanese vocabulary, you will be able to engage in more meaningful and nuanced discussions with native Japanese speakers. Enjoy your language journey!
