今年
kotoshi[ko̞to̞ɕi]
The phrase "this year" in Japanese is 今年 (kotoshi).
今年 is used to refer to the current calendar year.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you add the particle は after 今年 to form 今年は, it functions as "as for this year". This construction allows you to set "this year" as the topic of the sentence, which is often used to contrast the current year with other years.
How do you pronounce it?
kotoshi
Did you know?
- Japanese uses a parallel system of era names called 'gengo'. While 今年 refers to the calendar year, official documents often list the year as a number within the current Emperor's reign.
- While 今年 is written with the character for 'now' 今, it is pronounced as 'kotoshi', which is a reading associated with the character for 'this' 此.
- Because the concept of 'year' 年 is so central to Japanese culture, there are specific words for 'this year' depending on the context, such as 本年 for extremely formal business writing.
Examples in context
- 今年は雨が多い。We've had a lot of rain this year.This sentence uses 今年 to describe weather patterns.Tatoeba #1171014 by bunbuku, translation #243139 by CK
- 今年卒業します。I'll graduate this year.This sentence uses 今年 to state a graduation timeline.Tatoeba #8619746 by small_snow, translation #3818378 by CK
- 今年は豊作だった。We had a good harvest this year.This sentence uses 今年 to discuss a harvest.Tatoeba #171297 by small_snow, translation #10553535 by CK
- 今年、旅行に行くつもりです。 (ことし、りょこうに いくつもりです。)I plan to go on a trip this year.
- 今年の目標を達成しましたか？ (ことしの もくひょう を たっせい しましたか？)Did you achieve your goal for this year?
- 133 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Kenta are talking about their travel plans.
- 陽葵 Himari今年、どこかに行きたいですか？Kotoshi, dokoka ni ikitai desu ka?Do you want to go anywhere this year?
- 健太 Kentaはい、北海道に行きたいです。Hai, Hokkaido ni ikitai desu.Yes, I want to go to Hokkaido.
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね。私も行きたいです。Ii desu ne. Watashi mo ikitai desu.That's nice. I want to go too.
- 健太 Kenta一緒に計画を立てましょう。Issho ni keikaku o tatemashou.Let's make a plan together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 今年, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 今年, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
