Translation and Meaning of: 去年 - kyonen

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 去年[きょねん]. It is quite common in daily life and appears in conversations, texts, and even in songs. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and use of this word, as well as tips to memorize it easily. If you want to understand how the Japanese refer to last year, keep reading!

What does 去年[きょねん] mean?

The word 去年[きょねん] simply means "last year". It is formed by the kanji 去 (indicating something that has passed) and 年 (year), combined to represent a period that has already concluded. Unlike other temporal expressions in Japanese, such as 昨年[さくねん] (which also means "last year"), 去年 has a more colloquial tone and is widely used in informal conversations.

It is worth noting that, although 昨年 is more common in formal contexts, such as documents and speeches, 去年 appears more frequently in everyday life. If you are learning Japanese, it is a word that you will certainly encounter in day-to-day dialogues, animes, and even in song lyrics.

How to use 去年 correctly?

Using 去年 in sentences is simple, as it functions like a common noun. For example, if you want to say "Last year I traveled to Japan," you can say: 去年、日本に行きました[きょねん、にほんにいきました]. Note that the word does not need additional particles to indicate time, as its meaning is already clear.

Another important detail is that 去年 should not be confused with 今年 [kotoshi] (this year) or 来年 [rainen] (next year). Although they all refer to time periods, each has a specific usage. Memorizing these three words together can help you remember them more easily.

Curiosities and tips for memorization

An effective way to remember the meaning of 去年 is to associate the kanji 去 with something that has already gone. It appears in other words like 過去[かこ] (past) and 去る[さる] (to leave, to go away). This connection helps to reinforce the idea of a time that has already passed.

Additionally, 去年 is a word that frequently appears in animes and Japanese dramas, especially in dialogues about recent events. Paying attention to these contexts can help you naturally internalize its usage. If you enjoy music, you can also look for lyrics that include this word to practice.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

昨年 (saku-nen) - Last year
去年 (kyonen) - Last year
前年度 (zen-nen-do) - The year prior to the current one (referring to a fiscal or academic period)
前年 (zen-nen) - The previous year
前回 (zen-kai) - Last time (usually used for events, but can imply a past year in specific contexts)
去年の今頃 (kyonen no imagoro) - Around this time last year
去年の今日この頃 (kyonen no kyou konogoro) - Around this time last year