• 年とし — year
• 一年いちねん — one year
• 今年ことし — this year
• 来年らいねん — next year
• 去年きょねん — last year
• 年上としうえ — older (in age)

Originally, “年” depicted a person carrying grain — symbolizing the harvest and annual cycle. Over time, it came to represent the concept of a year. It's one of the most frequently used kanji in date, age, and calendar-related expressions.

今年ことしは 良よい 年としに なりますように。
May this year be a good one.

彼かれは 年上としうえですが、とても 優やさしいです。
He is older, but very kind.

🎧 A pronunciation guide will be added soon. Please check back later!