Greetings, language enthusiasts! In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to express “next year” in Japanese. Whether you are interested in formal or informal expressions, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions
In formal situations or when speaking to someone of higher social status, it is essential to use polite language. Here are some formal ways to say “next year” in Japanese:
“来年” (Rainen):
The most standard and commonly used term for “next year” in Japanese is “来年” (Rainen). This expression is neutral and can be utilized in various situations, making it an excellent choice in formal conversations. For example:
- Person A: いつ母国へ帰りますか？(When are you going back to your home country?)
- Person B: 来年の春に帰ります。(I will go back in the spring of next year.)
“翌年” (Yokutoshi):
Another formal alternative to express “next year” is “翌年” (Yokutoshi). This term is more commonly used in written language rather than in spoken conversations. For instance:
- Formal Letter: 弊社は来年度（翌年）から新しいビジネスパートナーシップを検討しております。(We are considering establishing a new business partnership starting from next fiscal year.)
2. Informal Expressions
When speaking with friends or in casual settings, it’s natural to use less formal language. Here are some informal ways to say “next year” in Japanese:
“来年” (Rainen):
While “来年” (Rainen) is typically used in formal contexts, it can also be used in informal settings, such as among friends or family members. For example:
- Person A: 来年の夏には、旅行に行こうよ！(Let’s go on a trip next summer!)
- Person B: いいね！楽しみにしてるよ。(Sounds good! I’m looking forward to it.)
“来週年” (Raisshuunen):
Another informal way to express “next year” is by combining “来週” (Raisshuu) meaning “next week” and “年” (Nen) meaning “year.” This playful expression is often used among close friends. For instance:
- Person A: 来週年から、新しいアルバイトを始めるんだ！(I’m starting a new part-time job from next year!)
- Person B: おめでとう！頑張ってね！(Congratulations! Good luck!)
3. Regional Variations
Japanese is a diverse language with varying dialects across different regions. While the expressions mentioned earlier are widely understood throughout Japan, here is a regional variation:
“翌々年” (Yokuzunu):
In some regions, especially in western Japan, people might use “翌々年” (Yokuzunu) to refer to “the year after next.” This dialectical variation is not commonly heard in standard Japanese. For example:
- Person A: 来年の友達の結婚式に行くの？(Are you going to your friend’s wedding next year?)
- Person B: いや、翌々年の結婚式だよ。(No, it’s the wedding after next year.)
It’s worth noting that while regional variations exist, they might not be widely understood, so it’s advisable to stick to the standard expressions mentioned earlier, unless you are familiar with the local dialect.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned various ways to say “next year” in Japanese. Remember to use “来年” (Rainen) for most situations, and “翌年” (Yokutoshi) for more formal or written contexts. When chatting with friends, feel free to use “来週年” (Raisshuunen) for a more casual vibe. If you come across any regional variations, like “翌々年” (Yokuzunu), keep in mind that they might not be widely understood outside of specific areas. Practice these expressions and have fun incorporating them into your conversations!
Enjoy your language journey and see you next year – or rather, 来年 (Rainen)!
