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A1 noun #3,871 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

年末

nenmatsu Top 3,871

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Erklärung 年末 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn **年末 (nenmatsu)** as a simple vocabulary word meaning 'the end of the year.' You will mostly use it to describe your schedule or the weather. For example, 'Nenmatsu wa isogashii desu' (The end of the year is busy) is a very common and useful sentence. Focus on the fact that it refers to December. You don't need to worry about the complex cultural rituals yet; just know that it's a time when people go back to their hometowns and stores have big sales. Practice using it with the particle 'ni' to say when you are doing something, like 'Nenmatsu ni kaimono o shimasu' (I will do shopping at the end of the year). Also, learn the greeting 'Yoi otoshi o,' which is the special way to say goodbye to people during this time.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use **年末** in more complex sentences involving reasons and specific activities. You should understand the compound **年末年始 (nenmatsu nenshi)**, which refers to the entire holiday period from late December to early January. This is crucial for understanding travel plans and business hours. You might say, 'Nenmatsu nenshi wa mise ga yasumi desu' (The shops are closed during the year-end and New Year). You should also be able to describe common Japanese traditions using this word, such as 'Nenmatsu ni oosouji o shimasu' (I do a big cleaning at the end of the year). At this level, you should also be careful with the kanji for 'matsu' (末) and not confuse it with '未' (mi).

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using **年末** in a variety of registers. You will notice it appearing in more formal announcements and news clips. You can use phrases like **年末にかけて (nenmatsu ni kakete)** to describe trends, such as 'Nenmatsu ni kakete shigoto ga fuemasu' (Work increases towards the end of the year). You should also start to distinguish between **年末** and **暮れ (kure)**, using the latter for more personal or slightly more poetic contexts. Understanding the business etiquette of 'Nenmatsu no aisatsu' (year-end greetings) becomes important here. You should be able to write a simple email to a teacher or colleague wishing them a good year-end using this vocabulary.

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At the B2 level, you should understand the broader societal and economic implications of **年末**. This includes the 'Saimatsu Sale' (year-end sales) and the impact of the 'Nenmatsu Chosei' (Year-end Tax Adjustment), which is a major event for all employees in Japan. You should be able to discuss the cultural nuances of why Japan is so busy during this time compared to the Western Christmas season. Your use of the word should be natural in complex structures, such as 'Nenmatsu no isogashii jiki ni moushiwake arimasen ga...' (I am sorry to bother you during this busy year-end period, but...). You should also be aware of the traditional calendar name 'Shiwasu' and how it relates to the concept of **年末**.

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At the C1 level, you can use **年末** to discuss abstract concepts or literary themes. You might encounter it in essays discussing the psychology of 'toshikoshi' or the history of how the Japanese year-end evolved from a religious harvest festival to a modern commercial period. You should be able to navigate the subtle differences between **年末**, **歳末**, **歳晩**, and **年暮れ** without hesitation. In professional settings, you should be able to lead discussions on 'Nenmatsu no kessan' (year-end financial closing) or 'Nenmatsu no un-yu joukyou' (year-end transport conditions). You should also understand the historical weight of the word in classical literature, where the end of the year often symbolizes the transience of life.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of **年末** involves an intuitive understanding of its place in the Japanese psyche. You can appreciate the word's use in haiku, where it might serve as a 'kigo' (season word) or set a specific mood. You can analyze the socio-economic shifts in how **年末** is spent—for example, the move from traditional home-based celebrations to international travel. You can use the word in high-level diplomatic or academic discourse, perhaps discussing the 'Nenmatsu-nenshi no kyuujitsu taisei' (year-end and New Year holiday systems) in the context of labor law. Your understanding of the word is no longer just about 'time,' but about the entire cultural, legal, and emotional fabric of the Japanese transition from one year to the next.

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年末 in 30 Sekunden

Nenmatsu means the end of the year, focusing on late December.
It is a culturally busy time for cleaning, parties, and finishing work.
Commonly paired with 'nenshi' to describe the winter holiday period.
Essential for understanding Japanese schedules and year-end social etiquette.

The Japanese word 年末 (ねんまつ - nenmatsu) is a compound noun that literally translates to the "end of the year." It is composed of two kanji: 年 (year) and 末 (end/extremity). While the English translation might seem straightforward, the cultural weight and specific timing of nenmatsu in Japan are profound. In a Western context, the end of the year often centers around Christmas and New Year's Eve, but in Japan, nenmatsu encompasses a rigorous period of preparation, reflection, and ritualistic cleaning that typically begins in mid-December and culminates on December 31st (known as Omisoka).

Temporal Scope: Generally refers to the last one to two weeks of December, though in business contexts, it can refer to the entire final month.
Cultural Atmosphere: Characterized by the term 'Shiwasu' (December), meaning 'priests running,' implying a time so busy even the most composed people are rushing.

日本の年末は、大掃除や忘年会でとても忙しいです。
(Nihon no nenmatsu wa, oosouji ya bounenkai de totemo isogashii desu.)
The Japanese year-end is very busy with big cleaning and year-forgetting parties.

During this time, the concept of oosouji (big cleaning) is paramount. Families and companies alike spend days scrubbing every corner of their space to welcome the Toshigami (New Year deity) into a pure environment. This is not just physical cleaning but a spiritual purging of the previous year's 'dirt' and misfortune. Furthermore, nenmatsu is the season for bounenkai, or 'year-forgetting parties.' These social gatherings are designed to help colleagues and friends forget the hardships and stresses of the past twelve months so they can start the new year with a fresh perspective.

In the business world, nenmatsu is a frantic period of closing accounts, sending out nengajo (New Year's greeting cards), and distributing oseibo (year-end gifts) to clients and benefactors to show gratitude. The term is ubiquitous in retail as well, where 'Saimatsu Sales' (year-end sales) dominate the shopping districts. Unlike the Western 'holiday season' which often implies relaxation, nenmatsu is a period of intense activity that allows for the total relaxation of oshogatsu (the first few days of January).

Linguistic Nuance: While 'Kure' also means the end of the year, 'Nenmatsu' is the more standard, neutral, and versatile term used in both formal and casual settings.

年末の挨拶をメールで送りました。
(Nenmatsu no aisatsu o meeru de okurimashita.)
I sent the year-end greetings via email.

Understanding nenmatsu is key to navigating Japanese social and professional life in December. It is a time when 'Sumimasen' (Excuse me/I'm sorry) is frequently paired with 'Isogashii naka' (While you are busy), acknowledging the shared burden of the season's tasks. It is a period of transition, bridging the achievements of the past with the hopes of the future.

Grammatically, 年末 (nenmatsu) functions as a temporal noun. It can stand alone as the subject or object of a sentence, or it can be modified by particles to indicate specific timing or relationships. The most common particles used with nenmatsu are に (ni - at/in), の (no - possessive/modifying), and から (kara - from) / まで (made - until).

As a Time Marker (年末に): Used to specify an action occurring during the end of the year. Example: "Nenmatsu ni kaerimasu" (I will return at the end of the year).
As a Modifier (年末の...): Used to describe things associated with the year-end. Example: "Nenmatsu no isogashisa" (The busyness of the year-end).

年末の予定はもう決まりましたか？
(Nenmatsu no yotei wa mou kimarimashita ka?)
Have you already decided on your year-end plans?

When discussing the holiday period as a whole, nenmatsu is frequently paired with nenshi (beginning of the year) to form the compound 年末年始 (nenmatsu nenshi). This phrase refers specifically to the holiday break most workers receive, typically from December 29th through January 3rd. If you are checking store hours or train schedules, look for the 'Nenmatsu Nenshi' notice, as many businesses close during this window.

Another common structure is 年末にかけて (nenmatsu ni kakete), which means 'towards the end of the year' or 'over the period leading to the year-end.' This is often used in weather forecasts or economic reports. For example, "Nenmatsu ni kakete samuku narimasu" (It will get colder towards the end of the year).

年末年始は実家に帰省する予定です。
(Nenmatsu nenshi wa jikka ni kisei suru yotei desu.)
I plan to return to my parents' house during the year-end and New Year holidays.

In casual speech, you might hear people simply say "Nenmatsu, dou suru?" (What are you doing for the year-end?). Because the context of the year-end is so culturally loaded, the word carries the implication of both the holiday break and the preceding busy period. If someone says "Nenmatsu wa isogashii," they are likely referring to the work deadlines and social obligations that pile up in late December.

Common Verb Pairings: Nenmatsu o sugosu (To spend the year-end), Nenmatsu o mukaeru (To welcome/approach the year-end), Nenmatsu ni sonaeru (To prepare for the year-end).

You will encounter 年末 (nenmatsu) everywhere in Japan starting from late November. It is one of the most high-frequency words in the Japanese lexicon during the fourth quarter of the year. Its usage spans from the most formal television news broadcasts to the most casual conversations between friends at a convenience store.

テレビで年末の特番が始まりました。
(Terebi de nenmatsu no tokuban ga hajimarimashita.)
Year-end special programs have started on TV.

One of the most common places to hear this word is in **retail and advertising**. Supermarkets and department stores will announce their "Nenmatsu Daishidashi" (Year-end big sales) or "Nenmatsu no go-annai" (Year-end information). In these contexts, the word is often used to create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to buy their osechi-ryori (traditional New Year foods) or cleaning supplies before the stores close for the holiday.

In the Office: Managers will say, "Nenmatsu made ni kono shigoto o owarasete kudasai" (Please finish this work by the end of the year). It marks the ultimate deadline for the fiscal or calendar year's projects.
At Train Stations: Announcements will warn of "Nenmatsu no daiya hensei" (Year-end schedule changes), as trains often run on a holiday schedule during the last few days of the year.

On **television**, nenmatsu is synonymous with 'Tokuban' (special programs). Japan has a tradition of airing massive, multi-hour variety shows and music specials, most notably the 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' on New Year's Eve. Leading up to this, you will hear presenters frequently discussing "Nenmatsu no keshiki" (Year-end scenery), which usually involves footage of crowded markets like Ameyoko in Tokyo, where people buy seafood for the holidays.

In **neighborhoods**, you might hear the rhythmic clacking of wooden sticks (hyoshigi) as volunteers walk around during the "Nenmatsu Keikai" (Year-end fire watch). They shout "Hi no youjin!" (Beware of fire!) because the dry winter air and the busyness of the season historically led to more house fires. This sound is a quintessential auditory marker of nenmatsu in residential Japan.

年末の宝くじを買うのが毎年の楽しみです。
(Nenmatsu no takarakuji o kau no ga maitoshi no tanoshimi desu.)
Buying the year-end lottery ticket is something I look forward to every year.

While 年末 (nenmatsu) is a relatively simple word, learners often make subtle mistakes in its application, nuance, and associated greetings. The most common error is confusing the boundaries of nenmatsu with other related terms or misusing the particle ni.

Mistake 1: Confusing Nenmatsu and Nenshi: Learners sometimes use 'Nenmatsu' to refer to the New Year's Day celebrations. 'Nenmatsu' is strictly the *end* (December). The first few days of January are 'Nenshi' (Year-beginning) or 'Oshogatsu'. If you say "Nenmatsu ni jinja ni ikimashita" (I went to the shrine at the year-end), it implies you went *before* the year ended, not for the first prayer of the New Year (Hatsumode).
Mistake 2: Using 'Akemashite Omedetou' too early: In English, we say "Happy New Year" both before and after January 1st. In Japanese, you *never* say "Akemashite omedetou" during nenmatsu. That phrase is reserved for after the clock strikes midnight. During nenmatsu, you must use "Yoi otoshi o."

❌ 年末におめでとうございます。
✅ 年末の挨拶を申し上げます。
(Don't use 'congratulations' for the end of the year; use 'greetings'.)

Another mistake involves the **Kanji for 'matsu'**. The kanji 末 (end) looks very similar to 未 (not yet/future). In matsu, the top horizontal line is longer than the bottom one. In mi (as in 'mirai' - future), the top line is shorter. Writing nen-mi instead of nen-matsu is a common kanji slip-up.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the **politeness levels** of year-end greetings. While "Yoi otoshi o" is fine for friends, if you are speaking to a boss, you should use the full version: "Yoi otoshi o omukae kudasai." Shortening it to a superior can be seen as slightly rude or overly familiar during such a culturally significant time.

Confusion with 'Kure': While 'Kure' (暮れ) means the same thing, it is more often used in set phrases like 'O-kure' or 'Toshi no kure'. Using 'Kure' in a technical or business sentence like "The report is due at the kure" sounds very unnatural. Stick to 'Nenmatsu' for 90% of situations.

While 年末 (nenmatsu) is the most versatile term for the end of the year, Japanese has several other words that describe this period, each with its own specific register, nuance, and cultural context. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and better comprehend different types of media.

歳末 (Saimatsu): This term is almost exclusively used in **commercial and formal** contexts. You will see it on banners in shopping malls (Saimatsu Sale) or in formal charity drives (Saimatsu Tasukeai). It feels more 'official' than nenmatsu.
暮れ (Kure): A more **poetic and native Japanese (wago)** term. It carries a sense of nostalgia or the feeling of the sun setting on the year. It's often used in literature or casual conversation to describe the 'busy-ness' (Kure no isogashisa).

Comparison:
1. 年末の営業時間は？ (Standard/Business)
2. 歳末大売り出し！ (Retail/Sales)
3. 暮れのご挨拶。 (Poetic/Traditional)

Other related terms include 年越し (toshikoshi), which refers specifically to the act of 'crossing over' from the old year to the new. This is used in phrases like 'Toshikoshi Soba' (the noodles eaten on New Year's Eve). While nenmatsu is the period, toshikoshi is the transition itself.

For the very final day of the year, December 31st, the specific word is 大晦日 (omisoka). While nenmatsu can include the 31st, if you are talking specifically about New Year's Eve plans, omisoka is more precise. Similarly, 師走 (shiwasu) is the traditional name for December, often used in weather reports or formal greetings to evoke the frantic feeling of the month.

Summary Table

年末: General, all-purpose.
歳末: Commercial/Official.
暮れ: Emotional/Traditional.
年度末: Fiscal (March).
大晦日: Dec 31st specifically.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji for 'year' (年) originally depicted a person carrying a stalk of grain, representing the harvest. Thus, 'Nenmatsu' is literally the end of the harvest cycle.

Aussprachehilfe

UK nɛn.mæts.uː

US nɛn.mɑt.su

No primary stress in Japanese; pitch accent is Heiban (level), meaning the pitch stays relatively flat across all syllables.

Reimt sich auf

Katsu (win) Batsu (punishment) Natsu (summer) Tatsu (stand) Matsu (wait) Setsu (theory) Hatsu (departure) Ketsu (conclusion)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'matsu' as 'ma-tzu' with a heavy Z sound.
Stressing the first syllable (NEN-matsu) like English.
Making the final 'u' too long (nenmatsuuu).
Confusing the 'n' with an 'm' sound.
Failing to devoice the final 'u' in 'matsu' when speaking quickly.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Kanji are basic JPT N5/N4 level.

Schreiben 2/5

Easy to confuse 'matsu' with 'mi'.

Sprechen 1/5

Simple pronunciation with no difficult phonemes.

Hören 1/5

Very common word, easy to recognize in context.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

年月日忙しい休み

Als Nächstes lernen

年始大晦日お正月大掃除忘年会

Fortgeschritten

歳末師走年度末御用納め仕事納め

Wichtige Grammatik

Time Particle 'ni'

年末に会いましょう。

Noun Modifying 'no'

年末の休暇。

Duration 'ni kakete'

年末にかけて忙しくなる。

Deadline 'made ni'

年末までに終わらせる。

Humble/Polite 'go-' prefix

年末のご挨拶。

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Beispiele nach Niveau

年末は忙しいです。

The end of the year is busy.

Simple noun + wa + adjective structure.

年末に日本へ行きます。

I will go to Japan at the end of the year.

Particle 'ni' indicates the time of action.

年末の買い物は楽しいです。

Year-end shopping is fun.

Particle 'no' connects two nouns.

年末、何をしますか？

What will you do at the end of the year?

Used as a time topic at the start of a question.

年末に大掃除をします。

I do a big cleaning at the end of the year.

Collocation: Nenmatsu + Oosouji.

年末の休みは５日です。

The year-end holiday is five days.

Describing the duration of a holiday.

年末にそばを食べます。

I eat soba at the end of the year.

Referring to the tradition of Toshikoshi Soba.

良い年末を！

Have a good year-end!

A common casual greeting.

年末年始は銀行が休みです。

Banks are closed during the year-end and New Year holidays.

Compound noun 'Nenmatsu-nenshi'.

年末までにレポートを出してください。

Please submit the report by the end of the year.

Particle 'made ni' means 'by' (deadline).

年末はどこも人が多いですね。

There are many people everywhere at the end of the year, aren't there?

Using 'doko mo' to mean 'everywhere'.

年末に実家に帰る予定です。

I plan to return to my parents' house at the end of the year.

Noun + yotei desu (plan to).

年末のテレビ番組は面白いです。

Year-end TV programs are interesting.

Describing specific media content.

年末のパーティーに招待されました。

I was invited to a year-end party.

Passive voice 'shoutai saremashita'.

年末の挨拶に行きました。

I went to give year-end greetings.

The cultural practice of 'aisatsu'.

年末はお金がたくさんかかります。

The end of the year costs a lot of money.

Discussing expenses.

年末にかけて寒さが厳しくなります。

It will get severely cold towards the end of the year.

Structure 'ni kakete' (towards/over the period).

年末の忙しい時期にお邪魔してすみません。

I'm sorry to bother you during this busy year-end period.

Humble expression for social interaction.

年末調整の書類を準備してください。

Please prepare the documents for the year-end tax adjustment.

Technical term: Nenmatsu Chosei.

年末になると、いつもこの曲が流れます。

When the end of the year comes, this song always plays.

Conditional 'naru to' (whenever it becomes).

年末の売り出しで新しい服を買いました。

I bought new clothes at the year-end sale.

Using 'uridashi' for sales.

年末の帰省ラッシュを避けたいです。

I want to avoid the year-end homecoming rush.

Compound noun 'Kisei-rasshu'.

年末の雰囲気が大好きです。

I love the year-end atmosphere.

Abstract noun 'fun-iki' (atmosphere).

年末を家族とのんびり過ごしました。

I spent the year-end relaxing with my family.

Adverb 'nonbiri' (relaxing/leisurely).

年末の決算に向けて、経理部は非常に多忙だ。

The accounting department is extremely busy heading towards the year-end settlement.

Formal particle 'ni mukete' (towards a goal).

年末特有の慌ただしさが街に溢れている。

The bustle unique to the year-end is overflowing in the streets.

Adjective 'tokuyuu' (unique/characteristic).

年末年始の営業時間は、ウェブサイトでご確認いただけます。

You can check the year-end and New Year business hours on our website.

Keigo (honorific) 'go-kakunin itadakemasu'.

年末に一年の汚れを落とすのが日本の伝統だ。

It is a Japanese tradition to wash away the year's dirt at the end of the year.

Nominalizing a clause with 'no wa'.

年末のジャンボ宝くじに夢を託す人が多い。

Many people entrust their dreams to the Year-End Jumbo Lottery.

Metaphorical use of 'yume o takusu'.

年末の風物詩といえば、やはり第九の演奏会だ。

Speaking of year-end traditions, it has to be the Beethoven's Ninth symphony concerts.

Noun 'fuubutsu-shi' (seasonal tradition).

年末の交通渋滞を考慮して、早めに出発しましょう。

Let's leave early, considering the year-end traffic jams.

Verb 'koryo suru' (to consider/take into account).

年末の挨拶回りは、ビジネスマナーとして欠かせない。

Making year-end greeting rounds is essential as business etiquette.

Noun 'aisatsu-mawari' (making rounds of greetings).

年末の喧騒を離れて、静かな温泉地で過ごすことにした。

I decided to leave the year-end bustle behind and spend time at a quiet hot spring resort.

Literary noun 'kensou' (bustle/din).

年末のテレビは、どのチャンネルも似たような特番ばかりだ。

Year-end TV is full of similar special programs on every channel.

Adverbial 'bakari' (nothing but).

年末の風に吹かれながら、この一年の反省と来年の抱負を考えた。

While being blown by the year-end wind, I reflected on this year and thought about next year's resolutions.

Conjunctive 'nagara' (while).

年末の百貨店は、お歳暮を求める客でごった返している。

Department stores at the end of the year are crowded with customers seeking year-end gifts.

Verb 'gotta-gaesu' (to be in a turmoil/crowded).

年末の風習も、時代とともに簡略化されつつある。

Year-end customs are also being simplified along with the times.

Grammar 'tsutsu aru' (in the process of).

年末の冷え込みが一段と厳しくなってきた。

The year-end cold spell has become even more severe.

Noun 'hiekomi' (cold snap).

年末の多忙を極める中、彼は冷静に仕事をこなした。

Amidst the extreme year-end busyness, he handled his work calmly.

Expression 'tabou o kiwameru' (to be extremely busy).

年末の締めくくりとして、最高のパフォーマンスを見せたい。

As a conclusion to the year, I want to show my best performance.

Noun 'shimekukuri' (conclusion/finishing touch).

年末の物悲しさは、どこか日本人の美意識に通じるものがある。

The melancholy of the year-end somehow resonates with the Japanese sense of aesthetics.

Abstract noun 'monoganashisa' (melancholy).

年末の風情を求めて、旧市街を散策した。

I strolled through the old town seeking the year-end atmosphere/charm.

Aesthetic noun 'fuzei' (charm/atmosphere).

年末の慌ただしさに紛れて、大切なことを見失ってはいけない。

We must not lose sight of what is important, hidden in the year-end rush.

Verb 'magireru' (to be lost in/confused with).

年末の風習が、単なる消費活動に変質していくことに危惧を覚える。

I feel apprehensive that year-end customs are transforming into mere consumer activities.

Verb 'henshitsu suru' (to deteriorate/change in quality).

年末の静寂が訪れる前の、あの独特の熱気が好きだ。

I love that unique heat/excitement before the year-end silence arrives.

Noun 'seijaku' (silence/stillness).

年末の風に、去りゆく年への惜別の情を託す。

I entrust my feelings of reluctant parting for the passing year to the year-end wind.

Literary noun 'sekibetsu' (reluctant parting).

年末の光景は、社会の縮図を映し出しているかのようだ。

The year-end scenes seem to reflect a microcosm of society.

Noun 'shukuzu' (microcosm).

年末の余韻に浸りながら、静かに新年を待つ。

While soaking in the lingering vibes of the year-end, I quietly wait for the New Year.

Noun 'yoin' (lingering memory/aftertaste).

Synonyme

年の瀬歳末年の暮れ暮れ年終

Gegenteile

年始年明け年頭

Häufige Kollokationen

年末の挨拶

年末年始

年末調整

年末大掃除

年末ジャンボ

年末特番

年末商戦

年末の夜警

年末の帰省

年末パーティー

Häufige Phrasen

良い年末を

— Have a good year-end. Used as a parting greeting in late December.

それでは、良い年末をお過ごしください。

年末まであと少し

— Just a little longer until the end of the year. Used to encourage others.

年末まであと少し、頑張りましょう。

年末の風物詩

— A seasonal tradition of the year-end.

ベートーヴェンの第九は年末の風物詩だ。

年末の締めくくり

— The grand finale or conclusion of the year.

年末の締めくくりにふさわしいイベント。

年末ぎりぎり

— At the very last minute of the year-end.

年末ぎりぎりに仕事が終わった。

年末の風情

— The traditional atmosphere of the year-end.

京都で年末の風情を楽しむ。

年末のご多忙中

— During your busy year-end (polite preamble).

年末のご多忙中、失礼いたします。

年末の休暇

— Year-end vacation/holiday.

年末の休暇を利用して旅行する。

年末の風邪

— A cold caught at the end of the year (common due to stress/cold).

年末の風邪には気をつけて。

年末の一大イベント

— A major event of the year-end.

これは年末の一大イベントです。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

年末 vs 年始 (nenshi)

Nenshi is the start of the year (January), while Nenmatsu is the end (December).

年末 vs 年度末 (nendomatsu)

Nendomatsu is the end of the fiscal year (March), not the calendar year.

年末 vs 年末年始 (nenmatsu-nenshi)

This refers to the whole period, while Nenmatsu is just the end.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"年の暮れ"

— The very end of the year; implies a sense of finality.

年の暮れに寂しさを感じる。

Poetic

"仕事納め"

— The final work day of the year (usually Dec 28th).

今日は仕事納めなので、早く帰ります。

Business

"御用納め"

— The last day of work for government offices.

明日は御用納めですね。

Formal

"掃きだめ"

— Literally 'rubbish heap,' but used in year-end cleaning contexts metaphorically.

年末に心の掃きだめを掃除する。

Metaphorical

"一年の計は元旦にあり"

— The plan for the year should be made on New Year's Day (often contrasted with Nenmatsu).

年末に反省し、一年の計は元旦にありだ。

Proverb

"猫の手も借りたい"

— So busy you'd even borrow a cat's paw (frequently used during Nenmatsu).

年末は猫の手も借りたい忙しさだ。

Common

"終わり良ければすべて良し"

— All's well that ends well (often said at the end of a hard year).

年末に成功して、終わり良ければすべて良しだ。

General

"年を越す"

— To pass the year; to survive until the new year.

なんとか無事に年を越せそうだ。

General

"借金を年内に返す"

— Returning debts within the year (a traditional Nenmatsu obligation).

年末までに借金を年内に返す。

Traditional

"新春を待つ"

— Waiting for the 'new spring' (New Year).

年末、静かに新春を待つ。

Literary

Leicht verwechselbar

年末 vs 未

Visual similarity to 末.

The top horizontal line is shorter in 未 (not yet) and longer in 末 (end).

未来 (mirai) vs 年末 (nenmatsu).

年末 vs 暮れ

Same meaning.

Nenmatsu is more technical/standard; Kure is more emotive and used in set phrases like 'toshi no kure'.

Nenmatsu no yotei (Standard) vs Kure no isogashisa (Emotive).

年末 vs 歳末

Same meaning.

Saimatsu is almost exclusively used for sales or charity.

Saimatsu sale.

年末 vs 大晦日

Temporal overlap.

Omisoka is strictly Dec 31st; Nenmatsu is the period leading up to it.

Omisoka ni soba o taberu.

年末 vs 正月

Proximity in time.

Shogatsu is the New Year period starting Jan 1st; Nenmatsu is the prep period before it.

Nenmatsu ni Shogatsu no junbi o suru.

Satzmuster

[Nenmatsu] wa [Adjective] desu.

年末は忙しいです。

[Nenmatsu] ni [Action] shimasu.

年末に掃除をします。

[Nenmatsu] made ni [Action] shite kudasai.

年末までに連絡してください。

[Nenmatsu] ni mukete [Goal].

年末に向けて準備を進める。

[Nenmatsu] no kensou o sakete [Action].

年末の喧騒を避けて家で過ごす。

[Nenmatsu] no [Noun].

年末の休み。

[Nenmatsu] ni kakete [Trend].

年末にかけて寒くなる。

[Nenmatsu] no fuzei o tanoshimu.

京都で年末の風情を楽しむ。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

年末年始

年度末

歳末

月松

Verben

年を越す

年が明ける

Adjektive

年末らしい

Verwandt

12月

冬

お正月

大掃除

忘年会

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in December; non-existent in other months.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'Akemashite omedetou' on Dec 30th. → Using 'Yoi otoshi o'.
The 'congratulations' greeting is only for after the year has actually started.
Writing 未末 (mismatch). → 年末 (nenmatsu).
Don't flip the bars on the second kanji.
Saying 'Nenmatsu' when you mean March. → 年度末 (nendomatsu).
In a Japanese office, 'end of year' usually means March for budget/school reasons.
Using 'Nenmatsu' for New Year's Day. → Gantan / Oshogatsu.
Nenmatsu is strictly the *end* of the old year.
Forgetting the particle 'ni' for time. → 年末に...
While you can use it as a topic with 'wa', specific actions usually need 'ni'.

Tipps

Oosouji

Don't just clean; do a 'Big Cleaning' at the end of the year to start fresh.

The Right Phrase

Always say 'Yoi otoshi o' when leaving the office for the last time in December.

Book Early

Nenmatsu is one of the busiest travel times. Book Shinkansen tickets weeks in advance.

Toshikoshi Soba

Eat buckwheat noodles on the 31st to ensure a long life and 'cut' the old year's bad luck.

Nengajo

Send your New Year cards early so they arrive exactly on January 1st.

Bonus Season

Most Japanese companies give a 'Nenmatsu Bonus' in December, fueling the shopping rush.

Bounenkai

Expect many invitations to 'year-forgetting' parties. They are key for networking.

Oseibo

If you have a benefactor, December is the time to send an 'Oseibo' gift of gratitude.

Stay Warm

Nenmatsu often coincides with the first real cold snap. Watch out for 'Nenmatsu kaze' (colds).

TV Specials

Look for 'Tokuban' in TV guides for unique multi-hour entertainment shows.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Nen' as 'New' (almost) and 'Matsu' as 'Mat' (the end of the hallway). You are standing on the mat at the end of the year.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a calendar page for December being torn off, revealing the very bottom edge (the 'matsu' or end).

Word Web

December Cleaning Parties Holiday Sales Deadline Winter Soba

Herausforderung

Try to say 'Nenmatsu no oosouji' three times fast without tripping over the 'ts' sounds.

Wortherkunft

Composed of Middle Chinese-derived kanji (Sino-Japanese). 'Nen' (年) means year, and 'Matsu' (末) means end or tip.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The extremity of the year's cycle.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

Be aware that while it's a happy time, it's also highly stressful for many due to 'Shiwasu' (the busy-ness).

Unlike the English 'Holiday Season' which starts in late November (Thanksgiving), Nenmatsu really peaks in the last 10 days of December.

Kohaku Uta Gassen (TV show) Beethoven's 9th Symphony (Daiku) Ameyoko Market rush

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Travel

年末の航空券
帰省ラッシュ
予約でいっぱいです
新幹線のチケット

Work

年末の締め切り
仕事納め
忘年会の幹事
年末調整の書類

Home

大掃除をする
おせちの準備
年越しそば
お年玉の用意

Shopping

歳末セール
年末の買い出し
お歳暮を贈る
福袋の予約

Social

良いお年を
今年もお世話になりました
来年もよろしく
年末年始の挨拶

Gesprächseinstiege

"年末の予定はもう決まりましたか？ (Have you decided your year-end plans yet?)"

"年末年始はどこかへ旅行に行きますか？ (Are you going on a trip for the year-end/New Year?)"

"年末の大掃除はもう始めましたか？ (Have you started your year-end big cleaning yet?)"

"年末の特番で何を見るのが好きですか？ (What do you like to watch on the year-end TV specials?)"

"年末は実家に帰省されるんですか？ (Are you going back to your hometown for the year-end?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今年の年末にやりたいことを３つ書いてください。 (Write three things you want to do this year-end.)

あなたの国の年末と日本の年末の違いは何ですか？ (What are the differences between your country's year-end and Japan's?)

去年の年末はどう過ごしましたか？ (How did you spend the year-end last year?)

年末の忙しさをどうやって乗り越えますか？ (How do you overcome the year-end busyness?)

年末に一年の反省を書いてみましょう。 (Try writing a reflection on the year this year-end.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it refers to the period at the end of the year, usually the last week or two of December. The 31st specifically is called 'Omisoka.'

Usually from around December 20th until the last time you see someone before the year ends. Don't use it on or after January 1st.

Yes, very frequently. It marks the deadline for finishing projects, closing accounts, and sending greetings to clients.

It is the 'Year-end Tax Adjustment' where employers calculate the final income tax for employees. It's a very common phrase in offices.

Usually no. The school year in Japan ends in March, which is called 'Nendomatsu' (end of the fiscal/academic year).

It is 年 (year) and 末 (end). Be careful with the strokes in 末!

It is a neutral word. It's perfectly fine in both formal business settings and casual talk.

Culturally, 'Oosouji' (big cleaning) is the most iconic activity, along with 'Bounenkai' (parties).

It's the compound for 'Year-end and New Year.' It usually refers to the holiday period from Dec 29 to Jan 3.

It's the traditional name. 'Shi' means priest and 'wasu' means run. It implies even priests are so busy they have to run.

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