Translation and Meaning of: 年月 - toshitsuki

The Japanese word 年月 (としつき) carries a deep yet everyday meaning. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding how this term is used can open doors to a better comprehension of Japanese culture and thought. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing, and practical usage, as well as curiosities that make this word special.

Meaning and translation of 年月

年月 is composed of two kanji: 年 (toshi/nen), which means "year," and 月 (tsuki/getsu), which means "month" or "moon." Together, they form the word "toshitsuki," which translates as "years and months" or simply "time." This expression is often used to refer to the passage of time in a general sense, especially when talking about long periods.

Unlike words like 時間 (jikan), which refers to specific hours or moments, 年月 has a more abstract and poetic tone. It appears in contexts where the focus is on the accumulated experience or the duration of something. For example, it can be used to describe how much time someone dedicated to a project or how much time has passed since an important event.

Everyday and cultural use

In daily life, Japanese people use 年月 to talk about long periods, often with a nuance of reflection. Phrases like "年月が流れる" (toshitsuki ga nagareru – "the years and months pass") are common in conversations about personal or historical changes. This word also frequently appears in song lyrics, poems, and formal speeches, reinforcing its connection to nostalgic or philosophical themes.

Culturally, 年月 reflects an important aspect of the Japanese mindset: the appreciation of patience and persistence. When someone says that something "took many 年月", they are implicitly acknowledging the effort and dedication involved. This idea connects with concepts like 我慢 (gaman – perseverance) and 努力 (doryoku – effort), showing how the Japanese language unites time and behavior.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 年月 is to associate it with concrete images or situations. Think of something that took years to complete, like learning an instrument or cultivating a garden. Visualizing these examples helps to cement not only the meaning but also the feeling behind the word. Another tip is to look at the kanji separately: 年 (year) on top of 月 (month) creates an idea of stacked time, almost like a calendar.

An interesting fact is that 年月 is sometimes read as "nengetsu", especially in compounds or more formal contexts. This variation does not change the meaning, but shows the flexibility of the Japanese language. Furthermore, unlike Portuguese, where "years and months" sounds somewhat technical, in Japanese this combination carries an emotional weight, almost like a reminder of the transience of life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 年月 (nengetsu) - Year and month
• 年月日 (nengetsubi) - Date (year, month, and day)
• 期間 (kikan) - Duration, period
• 期限 (kigen) - Deadline, time limit
• 期末 (kimatsu) - End of a term (such as a semester)
• 月次 (getsuji) - Monthly (related to months)
• 月刊 (gekkan) - Monthly publication
• 月例 (getsurei) - Monthly meeting
• 月報 (geppou) - Relatório mensal
• 月間 (gekkan) - Monthly (referring to a specific month)
• 月曜 (getsuyou) - Monday (day of the week)
• 月給 (gekkai) - Salário mensal
• 月額 (gegaku) - Monthly value (cost or payment)
• 月末 (getsumatsu) - End of the month
• 月初 (getusho) - beginning of the month
• 月単位 (getsu-tan'i) - In monthly units
• 月夜 (tsukiyo) - Full moon night
• 月明かり (tsukiakari) - Moonlight
• 月見 (tsukimi) - Moon observation
• 月影 (tsukikage) - Shadow of the Moon
• 月光 (gekkou) - Moonlight
• 月面 (getsumen) - Superfície lunar
• 月球 (gekkyuu) - Moon (as a celestial body)
• 月食 (geshuku) - Lunar eclipse
• 月面探査 (getsumen tansa) - Lunar surface exploration
• 月面着陸 (getsumen chakuriku) - Landing on the lunar surface
• 月世界 (getsu sekai) - Lunar World
• 月面基地 (getsumen kichi) - Base lunar
• 月面開発 (getsumen kaihatsu) - Development of the lunar surface
• 月面採掘 (getsumen saikutsu) - Lunar surface mining
• 月面研究 (getsumen kenkyuu) - Research on the lunar surface
• 月面観測 (getsumen kansoku) - Observation of the lunar surface

年月

Romaji: toshitsuki
Kana: としつき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: months and years

Meaning in English: months and years

Definition: Show the passage of time.

Example Sentences - (年月) toshitsuki

See below some example sentences:

私の生年月日は何ですか？

Watashi no seinen gappi wa nan desu ka?

What is my date of birth?

What is my date of birth?

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Japanese particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 生年月日 - Japanese compound noun meaning "date of birth"
• は - Japanese particle indicating the subject of the sentence
• 何 - Japanese interrogative pronoun meaning "what"
• ですか - Japanese expression indicating a polite question

年月が過ぎるのは早いものだ。

Toshidzuki ga sugiru no wa hayai mono da

The years passed quickly.

• 年月 - means "years and months" in Japanese
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 過ぎる - verb that means "pass" or "overtake"
• の - particle that indicates a nominal phrase
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 早い - adjective that means "fast" or "early"
• もの - noun meaning "thing" or "object"
• だ - verb that indicates the affirmative present form of the sentence