Learning how to say the year in Japanese is a fundamental skill for anyone interested in the rich culture and language of Japan. Whether you want to make small talk, write a formal letter, or simply understand dates on documents or in conversations, this guide will equip you with everything you need to confidently express the year in Japanese. We’ll explore both the formal and informal ways, offering tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Usage
When it comes to formal settings, such as business meetings, official documents, or academic environments, it is essential to use the appropriate level of politeness in Japanese. Here’s how you can express the year formally:
Using the Western Calendar
The most common and widely used method of expressing the year in Japan is by adopting the Western calendar. Japanese people refer to this as “Seireki,” which translates to “the Christian era.” To say the year in Japanese, simply state the number followed by the word “nen” (年).
Example: 2022年 (Nisen Nijuni-nen) – The year 2022
Note that the pronunciation slightly differs depending on the number. For example, “two” is pronounced as “ni” but changes to “nijuu” when it becomes “twenty.”
Using the Traditional Japanese Calendar
While the Western calendar is more prevalent, Japan also has its traditional calendar referred to as “Wareki” or “Nengo.” It is based on the reigns of emperors and historical periods. Although less common in everyday conversation, it may be used in official government documents, formal ceremonies, or historical context. Here’s an example of how to express the year using this calendar:
Example: 平成二十年 (Heisei Niju-nen) – The 20th year of the Heisei era
Historically, eras were named after significant events or changes in political power. Some well-known eras include Meiji, Taisho, Showa, and Heisei. The current era, as of this writing, is Reiwa, which started in 2019.
Informal Usage
Informal communication allows for a more casual and conversational tone. Although the Western calendar is predominant in informal settings, there are a few variations worth mentioning:
Using the Word “Kotoshi” (This Year)
When referring to the present year informally, you can use the word “kotoshi” (今年) which translates to “this year.” Simply combine it with the basic numbering system to express the year.
Example: 今年は二千二十二年 (Kotoshi wa Nisen Nijuni-nen) – This year is 2022
Using the Term “Kyūnen” (Last Year) or “Rainen” (Next Year)
To express the previous or upcoming year, you can use “kyūnen” (去年) meaning “last year” or “rainen” (来年) meaning “next year.”
Example: 去年は平成三十一年でした (Kyonen wa Heisei Sanjuuichi-nen deshita) – Last year was the 31st year of the Heisei era.
Regional Variations
Across different regions of Japan, there might be minor variations in how the year is pronounced. Below are a few examples:
Kansai Dialect
In the Kansai region, which includes cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, people often use the word “mouhatsu” (毛発) instead of “nen” (年) to refer to the year. Here’s an example:
Example: 二千二十一年 (Nisen Nijuichi-mouhatsu) – The year 2021 (Kansai dialect)
Kyushu Dialect
In parts of Kyushu, the largest southernmost island of Japan, you may come across the term “nem” (ネム) instead of “nen” (年). Here’s an example:
Example: 二千二十年 (Ni-sen Niju-nem) – The year 2020 (Kyushu dialect)
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You are now armed with the knowledge of how to say the year in Japanese. Whether you need to discuss the current year or refer to a specific year in the past or future, you can confidently express yourself using the appropriate level of formality. Remember to adapt your language based on the context and always be mindful of the regional variations that might exist. Keep practicing and exploring the fascinating nuances of the Japanese language while immersing yourself in its vibrant culture!
