年始 in 30 Sekunden
- 年始 (Nenshi) means the beginning of the year.
- It covers early January, especially the first three days.
- Used formally in business, schedules, and greetings.
- Often paired with 年末 (Nenmatsu) to describe the holiday period.
The Japanese word 年始 (ねんし - nenshi) is a formal and standard noun used to describe the 'beginning of the year.' While it literally translates to 'year start,' its usage is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Japan's transition from the old year to the new. In a practical sense, it typically refers to the first few days of January, specifically the Sanganichi (the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd), but in business and administrative contexts, it can extend to the first week or even the first ten days of the month. Unlike the more casual 'Oshogatsu,' which evokes images of food, family, and festivities, 年始 often carries a slightly more professional or objective tone, frequently appearing in schedules, formal greetings, and official announcements.
- Temporal Scope
- Refers to the period starting from January 1st. It is the counterpart to 年末 (nenmatsu), the end of the year.
- Social Context
- Used when discussing business hours, holiday closures, or the first visit to a shrine or relative's house.
今年の年始は家でゆっくり過ごしました。(Kotoshi no nenshi wa ie de yukkuri sugoshimashita.)
Understanding the nuance of 年始 requires recognizing its role in the cyclical nature of Japanese society. The start of the year is not just a date change; it is a spiritual and social 'reset.' People use this word when planning their 'Nenshi-mawari' (New Year visits) to clients or superiors. It is the time for 'Hatsumode' (the first shrine visit) and the distribution of 'Otoshidama' (New Year's money to children). The word is ubiquitous in public signage, such as Nenshi-kyugyo (New Year holiday closure), informing customers when a shop will be closed.
年始の挨拶に伺います。(Nenshi no aisatsu ni ukagaimasu.)
- Etymology
- Composed of 年 (year) and 始 (beginning). It is a direct and logical linguistic construct.
In a broader sense, 年始 is the canvas upon which the year's first intentions are drawn. Whether it is the 'Hatsuyume' (first dream) or the 'Kakizome' (first calligraphy), the word 年始 anchors these activities in time. For learners, mastering this word is essential for navigating Japanese social life during the winter season, as almost every conversation in late December and early January will revolve around one's plans for the 年始.
Using 年始 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as a noun and its common pairings with particles. Most frequently, it acts as a temporal marker, often followed by the particle ni (at/in) or no (possessive/adjectival). Because it is a formal word, it is often found in polite (Desu/Masu) or even humble/honorific (Keigo) sentences, particularly in business settings.
年始の予定を教えてください。(Nenshi no yotei o oshiete kudasai.)
When discussing business operations, 年始 is used to specify when a company resumes work. A very common phrase is Nenshi wa itsuka kara eigyo shimasu (We will be open from the 5th at the start of the year). Here, it sets the stage for the specific date. It is also common to see it in compound nouns that describe specific New Year activities.
- Common Particle Use: 〜の (no)
- Used to link 年始 with another noun, like 年始の挨拶 (New Year's greeting) or 年始の特番 (New Year's special TV program).
- Common Particle Use: 〜に (ni)
- Used to indicate the time when an action occurs, such as 年始に実家に帰ります (I will return to my parents' home at the start of the year).
銀行は年始、三日まで休みです。(Ginko wa nenshi, mikka made yasumi desu.)
In writing, 年始 is the standard choice for Nengajo (New Year's cards) and corporate emails. It conveys a level of respect and clarity that 'Shogatsu' might lack in a professional context. For example, 'Nenshi no go-aisatsu' (New Year's greetings) is a set phrase used as a subject line in business emails to thank clients for their patronage in the previous year and look forward to the next.
年始から忙しくなりそうです。(Nenshi kara isogashiku narisou desu.)
Finally, remember that 年始 can be used to contrast with Nenmatsu. If someone asks about 'Nenmatsu-nenshi,' they are asking about your entire winter break. You might reply by separating your activities: 'Nenmatsu wa osoji o shite, nenshi wa jinja ni ikimasu' (I'll do major cleaning at the year-end, and go to a shrine at the year-start).
You will encounter 年始 in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from high-stakes business environments to everyday public announcements. Its most common 'habitat' is the retail and service industry during the month of December. Shop windows, website banners, and automated phone recordings will use this word to relay holiday hours. If you are in Japan during this time, you'll see signs saying Nenshi no eigyo jikan (New Year's business hours), which is crucial information since many places close for the first three days of January.
郵便局は年始も配達をしていますか？(Yubinkyoku wa nenshi mo haitatsu o shite imasu ka?)
In the corporate world, 年始 is the standard term for the 'first work day' ceremonies and greetings. Many Japanese companies hold a Shigyoshiki (opening ceremony) or a simple gathering where the CEO gives a Nenshi no aisatsu (New Year's address). If you work in a Japanese office, you will hear colleagues saying 'Nenshi no go-aisatsu ni mairimashita' as they visit other departments to exchange greetings.
- News & Media
- News anchors use it to report on 'Nenshi no kotsu-johou' (New Year's traffic information), highlighting the congestion as people return from their hometowns.
- TV Specials
- Television schedules are dominated by 'Nenshi tokubetsu bangumi' (New Year special programs), often featuring long variety shows or marathons.
テレビで年始の特番を見ます。(Terebi de nenshi no tokuban o mimasu.)
On social media, you will see hashtags like #年始 (Nenshi) or #年始の過ごし方 (How I spent the beginning of the year). Influencers and friends alike will post photos of their first meal of the year (Osechi), their first shrine visit, or their 'Fukubukuro' (lucky bag) shopping hauls. In these contexts, 年始 serves as a chronological tag for these specific cultural experiences.
Lastly, listen for it in train stations and airports. Announcements regarding 'Nenshi no daiya' (New Year's schedule) are common, as public transport often runs on a modified Sunday/Holiday schedule during the first few days of January. Being aware of this word helps you avoid getting stranded or missing a flight during the busiest travel season in Japan.
While 年始 is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often make mistakes regarding its scope, formality, and confusion with similar-sounding or related terms. The most frequent error is using 年始 when they actually mean 'Shogatsu' (New Year's Day/Holiday). While they overlap, 年始 is more about the timeframe, whereas 'Shogatsu' is about the event and its traditions.
❌ 年始おめでとうございます。(Nenshi omedetou gozaimasu.)
Another common mistake is confusing 年始 (Nenshi) with Raishun (Next Spring) or Rainen (Next Year). While 'Rainen' refers to the entire upcoming year, 年始 is strictly the very beginning. If you say you will start a project 'Nenshi,' your boss will expect it in early January. If you mean 'sometime next year,' use 'Rainen.'
- Mistake: Over-extending the timeframe
- Don't use 年始 to refer to February or March. It usually loses its relevance after the first week of January.
- Mistake: Particle confusion
- Using 'Nenshi o' instead of 'Nenshi ni'. Since it's a time, it usually takes 'ni' or 'kara'.
❌ 年始を休みます。(Nenshi o yasumimasu.)
Learners also sometimes confuse 年始 with Gantan (New Year's Day morning) or Ganjitsu (New Year's Day). If you are referring specifically to January 1st, those terms are more precise. 年始 is broader. For example, 'Nenshi no koutsuu' refers to traffic over several days, not just the 1st.
Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. 'Nenshi' (年始) sounds somewhat similar to 'Nenshuu' (年収 - annual income). In a business meeting, asking about someone's 'Nenshi' (New Year plans) is polite, but asking about their 'Nenshuu' (salary) is a major faux pas! Always ensure you clip the 'i' sound at the end and don't extend it into a long 'u'.
Japanese has several words for the 'beginning of the year,' each with its own specific nuance and register. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about the calendar, the holiday, the spiritual start, or a specific day. 年始 is the most versatile and 'neutral-formal' of these terms.
- 新年 (Shinnen)
- This literally means 'New Year.' It is highly formal and used in greetings like 'Shinnen akemashite...' or in news broadcasts. It feels more 'grand' than 年始.
- 正月 (Shogatsu)
- This refers to the New Year *holiday* and the traditional customs associated with it. It is the most common word in casual conversation. 'Shogatsu ni nani o shita?' (What did you do over New Year?).
- 元旦 (Gantan)
- Specifically refers to the morning of January 1st. The kanji 旦 shows the sun rising over the horizon.
新年の抱負を決めました。(Shinnen no houfu o kimemashita.)
When comparing 年始 to Makuake (curtain-raiser/beginning), 年始 is strictly about the calendar, whereas 'Makuake' is metaphorical and can be used for the start of an era or a new project. Another alternative is Toshi-ake (the dawning of the year), which is slightly more poetic and often used in casual speech to mean 'once the new year has begun.'
年明けに会いましょう。(Toshi-ake ni aimashou.)
In a professional setting, if you want to sound particularly sophisticated, you might use Nenshou (年首), though this is much rarer and usually reserved for formal documents. For most learners, sticking between 年始 and Shogatsu will cover 95% of all situations correctly.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
In the old lunar calendar, 'Nenshi' was synonymous with the start of spring, which is why New Year's greetings often use the word 'Shun' (Spring), like in 'Geishun' (Welcoming Spring).
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing it like 'Nenshuu' (annual income) by elongating the 'shi'.
- Making the 'e' sound too much like 'ay' (nayn-shi).
- Putting too much stress on the first syllable like English 'NEN-shi'.
- Skipping the 'n' sound in the middle.
- Confusing the pitch with 'Nenshi' (burning to death - different kanji 燃死, very rare but different pitch).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The kanji are basic (Year and Start), learned early in elementary school.
Both kanji are common and easy to write with standard stroke orders.
Easy to pronounce, though pitch accent requires a little care.
Commonly heard in announcements, but can be confused with 'Nenshuu'.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Time Particle 'ni'
年始に会いましょう。 (Let's meet at the start of the year.)
Compound Nouns with 'no'
年始の休みは長いです。 (The New Year's holiday is long.)
Starting point 'kara'
年始からダイエットをします。 (I will go on a diet from the start of the year.)
Topic Marker 'wa'
年始は実家にいます。 (At the start of the year, I'll be at my parents' house.)
Polite Humble Forms (Keigo)
年始の挨拶に伺います。 (I will visit for New Year's greetings.)
Beispiele nach Niveau
年始に日本へ行きます。
I will go to Japan at the beginning of the year.
年始 (Nenshi) + に (particle for time).
年始は休みです。
The beginning of the year is a holiday.
年始 (Nenshi) as the topic with は (wa).
年始に何をしますか？
What will you do at the beginning of the year?
Asking a question about a specific time period.
年始の天気はいいです。
The weather at the beginning of the year is good.
Using の (no) to link Nenshi and Tenki (weather).
年始に家族と会います。
I will meet my family at the beginning of the year.
Action occurring during the Nenshi period.
年始は忙しくないです。
The beginning of the year is not busy.
Negative adjective (isogashikunai) describing the period.
年始にパンを買いました。
I bought bread at the beginning of the year.
Past tense verb with a time marker.
年始のご飯はおいしいです。
The food at the beginning of the year is delicious.
Linking Nenshi to Gohan (food) with の.
年始の予定を教えてください。
Please tell me your plans for the beginning of the year.
Polite request using 〜てください.
年始から新しい仕事を始めます。
I will start a new job from the beginning of the year.
Using から (from) to show the starting point.
年始に神社へ行きましたか？
Did you go to a shrine at the beginning of the year?
Past tense question about a cultural activity.
年始の挨拶をメールで送りました。
I sent New Year's greetings by email.
Compound noun: 年始の挨拶.
年始はデパートが混んでいます。
Department stores are crowded at the beginning of the year.
Describing a state using the Te-form (konde-iru).
年始に実家に帰るつもりです。
I plan to return to my parents' home at the start of the year.
Expressing intention with 〜つもりです.
年始の休みは三日間だけです。
The New Year holiday is only three days.
Using だけ (only) to limit the duration.
年始に福袋を買うのが楽しみです。
I'm looking forward to buying lucky bags at the start of the year.
Nominalizing a verb phrase with の (buying lucky bags).
年始の挨拶回りで忙しいです。
I'm busy with the rounds of New Year's greetings.
Nenshi-mawari is a specific business custom.
年始の営業時間はホームページで確認してください。
Please check the New Year's business hours on our website.
Formal business communication.
年始に立てた目標を忘れないようにします。
I will try not to forget the goals I set at the beginning of the year.
Using 〜ようにする to indicate effort.
年始から大雪が降って大変でした。
It was difficult because it snowed heavily from the start of the year.
Describing a difficult situation with 〜て大変でした.
年始の特番を録画しておきました。
I recorded the New Year's special programs in advance.
Using 〜ておく for preparatory action.
年始に海外旅行へ行く人が増えています。
The number of people going on overseas trips at the start of the year is increasing.
Describing a trend with 〜ている.
年始のセールで欲しかった服を安く買えました。
I was able to buy the clothes I wanted cheaply at the New Year's sale.
Potential form of the verb (kaeru).
年始の準備はもう終わりましたか？
Have you already finished the preparations for the beginning of the year?
Asking about completion with もう.
年始の恒例行事として、初詣に行きます。
As a customary New Year's event, I go for the first shrine visit.
Using 〜として (as/in the capacity of).
年始の渋滞を避けるために、早めに出発します。
I will leave early in order to avoid the New Year's traffic jams.
Using 〜ために to express purpose.
年始の仕事始めには、社長の訓示があります。
At the start of work in the New Year, there is an address from the president.
Specific term: 仕事始め (shigoto-hajime).
年始の穏やかな空気感が好きです。
I like the peaceful atmosphere at the beginning of the year.
Using 〜感 (kan) to describe a feeling or vibe.
年始に親戚が集まって、近況を報告し合います。
Relatives gather at the start of the year and update each other on their lives.
Using 〜合う to show mutual action.
年始のテレビ番組は、どこも似たり寄ったりだ。
New Year's TV programs are more or less the same everywhere.
Idiomatic expression: 似たり寄ったり (much the same).
年始の忙しさが一段落したら、ゆっくり休みます。
Once the busyness of the year-start settles down, I'll take a good rest.
Using 一段落する (to settle down/reach a plateau).
年始の抱負を達成するために、計画を立て直した。
I revised my plan in order to achieve my New Year's resolutions.
Compound verb: 立て直す (to rebuild/revise).
年始の慌ただしさの中に、日本の伝統が息づいている。
Amidst the bustle of the New Year, Japanese traditions are very much alive.
Literary expression: 息づいている (is breathing/alive).
年始に際し、謹んで新春のお慶びを申し上げます。
On the occasion of the New Year, I respectfully offer my congratulations.
Highly formal Keigo used in official greetings.
年始の経済予測によれば、緩やかな回復が見込まれる。
According to New Year economic forecasts, a gradual recovery is expected.
Using 〜によれば (according to) and 〜が見込まれる (is expected).
年始の静寂を破るように、除夜の鐘が響き渡る。
As if to break the New Year's silence, the temple bells echo throughout.
Poetic structure: 〜を破るように.
年始の挨拶を欠かすことは、社会人としてあるまじき行為だ。
Neglecting New Year's greetings is an act unbecoming of a professional.
Using 〜あるまじき (unbecoming/unacceptable).
年始の風物詩とも言える箱根駅伝に、日本中が熱狂する。
All of Japan goes wild for the Hakone Ekiden, which can be called a New Year's staple.
Using 風物詩 (fubutsu-shi - seasonal tradition).
年始における各企業の動向が、今年の市場を左右するだろう。
The movements of each company at the start of the year will likely influence this year's market.
Using 〜における (in/at) and 左右する (to influence/decide).
年始の休暇を利用して、自己研鑽に励むつもりだ。
I intend to use the New Year's holiday to devote myself to self-improvement.
Using 励む (to strive/endeavor).
年始の厳かな雰囲気は、日本人の精神性に深く根ざしている。
The solemn atmosphere of the New Year is deeply rooted in the Japanese psyche.
Abstract noun: 精神性 (spirituality/psyche).
年始の辞において、首相は国の未来像を力説した。
In his New Year's address, the Prime Minister emphasized his vision for the country's future.
Specific term: 年始の辞 (New Year's address).
年始の喧騒が嘘のように、オフィス街は静まり返っている。
As if the New Year's hustle was a lie, the office district is completely silent.
Using 〜が嘘のように (as if ... was a lie/unbelievable).
年始の伝統行事が簡略化される傾向にあるのは、寂しい限りだ。
It is truly sad that New Year's traditional events tend to be simplified these days.
Using 〜限りだ (extremely/to the limit).
年始の筆致に、その年の決意が如実に表れるという。
It is said that one's determination for the year is vividly revealed in their New Year's calligraphy.
Using 如実に (vividly/clearly).
年始の風習を紐解けば、古来からの自然崇拝の形が見えてくる。
If you unravel New Year's customs, you can see forms of nature worship from ancient times.
Metaphorical use of 紐解く (to unravel/read).
年始の挨拶一つ取っても、そこには緻密な人間関係の縮図がある。
Even taking a single New Year's greeting, there lies a microcosm of intricate human relationships.
Using 〜一つ取っても (taking even one example).
年始の光景は、時代と共に変容しつつも、その本質は変わらない。
While the scenes of the New Year change with the times, their essence remains the same.
Using 〜つつも (while/although).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Right at the very start of the year. Often used when something unexpected happens early in Jan.
年始早々、風邪を引いてしまった。
— A formal New Year's address or speech. Used by officials or CEOs.
社長の年始の辞を聞く。
— The act of visiting people to offer New Year greetings. A common business ritual.
今日は年始回りで外に出ます。
— Guests who visit during the first few days of the year. Usually relatives or close friends.
年始客を迎え入れる準備をする。
— Another name for Nengajo (New Year's cards). Formal term.
年始状の作成に取り掛かる。
— New Year's holiday/vacation period. Used in company handbooks.
年始休暇は1月4日までです。
— New Year ceremonies. Often refers to imperial or religious rituals.
年始の儀が執り行われた。
— Visiting a shrine or temple at the start of the year. Similar to Hatsumode.
家族で年始参りに行く。
— The New Year sales competition among retailers. Focuses on Fukubukuro.
年始商戦が始まった。
— News or letters received at the start of the year. Poetic.
友人から年始の便りが届いた。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Sounds similar but means 'annual income'. Asking about 'Nenshuu' instead of 'Nenshi' is rude.
Means 'next year' (the whole year), while 'Nenshi' is just the beginning.
Very similar in meaning but much more formal and less common in speech.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— New Year greetings should ideally be completed within the first three days of January. This reflects the importance of the Sanganichi.
年始の挨拶は三日までと言われているので、今日中に行きましょう。
Traditional— A good omen right from the start of the year. Used when something lucky happens in early January.
宝くじが当たった！年始から縁起がいいね。
Casual— The plan for the year should be made on New Year's Day. Emphasizes the importance of early planning.
年始の計は元旦にありと言うし、今日は目標を立てよう。
Proverbial— To fail to give New Year greetings. Considered a social lapse in Japan.
忙しくて年始の挨拶を欠いてしまった。
Social— The first meeting of the year. Often used for family gatherings or business kick-offs.
年始の顔合わせを兼ねて食事をする。
Standard— A new start at the beginning of the year. Poetic and encouraging.
年始の門出を祝して乾杯！
Poetic— To grace or decorate the start of the year. Used when an event or achievement starts the year off well.
優勝して年始を飾ることができた。
Literary— The hustle and bustle of the New Year period. Describes crowds at shrines or shops.
年始の賑わいの中、買い物に出かけた。
Descriptive— The unique silence of New Year's morning when most people are indoors.
年始の静寂を楽しむために早起きした。
Poetic— To visit someone to pay New Year's respects. Very formal.
明日は恩師の元へ年始の挨拶に伺います。
FormalLeicht verwechselbar
Both refer to the New Year period.
'Shogatsu' focuses on the holiday and traditions; 'Nenshi' focuses on the timeframe and is more formal.
正月はおせちを食べる。年始の営業は4日からだ。
Both mean 'New Year'.
'Shinnen' is a grander, more abstract term used in greetings; 'Nenshi' is practical and used for schedules.
新年あけましておめでとう。年始の予定を立てる。
Both are at the start of the year.
'Gantan' is specifically January 1st morning; 'Nenshi' is the whole early January period.
元旦に初日の出を見る。年始に旅行へ行く。
Both mean 'after the year starts'.
'Toshi-ake' is more casual and conversational; 'Nenshi' is more standard and formal.
年明けにまた連絡するね。年始の挨拶状を送る。
Both mean 'start of the year'.
'Nendohajime' refers to the start of the *fiscal* or *school* year (usually April in Japan).
4月は年度初めで忙しい。1月は年始の休みがある。
Satzmuster
年始に [Place] へ行きます。
年始に京都へ行きます。
年始の [Noun] は [Adjective] です。
年始の休みは短いです。
年始から [Action] ことにしました。
年始から毎日走ることにしました。
年始の [Noun] を避けるために [Action]。
年始の混雑を避けるために家で過ごします。
年始に際して、[Formal Expression]。
年始に際して、一言ご挨拶申し上げます。
年始の [Abstract Noun] が [Verb]。
年始の静寂が街を包んでいる。
年末年始は [Time] まで [State]。
年末年始は3日まで休みです。
年始の [Noun] を楽しみにしている。
年始の特番を楽しみにしている。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
High, particularly in late December and early January.
-
Using 'Nenshi' as a greeting.
→
Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu.
'Nenshi' is a noun describing the time, not a phrase used to say 'Happy New Year' to someone.
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Confusing 'Nenshi' with 'Rainen'.
→
Rainen (Next year).
'Nenshi' is only the beginning of the year. If you mean the entire next year, use 'Rainen'.
-
Pronouncing it as 'Nenshuu'.
→
Nenshi.
'Nenshuu' means annual income. Mixing these up in a professional setting can be embarrassing.
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Using 'Nenshi' for April (Fiscal year).
→
Nendohajime (年度初め).
In Japan, the fiscal and school years start in April. 'Nenshi' is strictly for the calendar year (January).
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Using 'Nenshi omedetou'.
→
Shinnen omedetou.
'Shinnen' (New Year) is the correct noun to pair with 'omedetou' in formal writing.
Tipps
Use it for Schedules
Whenever you see a sign about shop hours in late December, look for '年始'. It's the standard word for 'January opening hours'.
Hatsumode Timing
People often say 'Nenshi ni hatsumode ni iku'. This usually means going to the shrine between Jan 1st and 3rd.
Professional Greetings
In a business email, use 'Nenshi no go-aisatsu' as a polite way to start your first message of the year to a client.
Pair with Nenmatsu
Learn 'Nenmatsu' (Year-end) at the same time. They are almost always used together in the phrase 'Nenmatsu-nenshi'.
Particle 'No'
Use 'no' to create many useful phrases: 年始の休み (New Year holiday), 年始の挨拶 (New Year greeting), 年始の予定 (New Year plans).
Train Announcements
During holidays, listen for 'Nenmatsu-nenshi no daiya'. It means the trains are running on a special holiday schedule.
Nengajo
On New Year's cards, 'Nenshi' is a great word to use when describing your hopes for the start of the year.
Visiting Relatives
If you visit relatives in early January, you are doing 'Nenshi no aisatsu'. It's a key social ritual.
Pitch Accent
Keep the pitch flat/rising (Heiban). Don't drop the pitch on 'shi' or it might sound like a different word.
TV Specials
TV guides will be full of 'Nenshi tokuban'. These are the high-budget variety shows that air only in early January.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'NEN' (Year) and 'SHI' (Start). 'Nen' is like a 'New' year, and 'Shi' is like 'She' starts the year. NEN-SHI.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a calendar with 'JANUARY 1' circled in gold. The word 'NENSHI' is written across the first week of the calendar.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'Nenshi' in a sentence describing your plans for next January. Then, try to find a sign in a Japanese photo that says '年末年始休業'.
Wortherkunft
The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango) consisting of two kanji: 年 (nen) and 始 (shi). The kanji 年 originally depicted a person carrying a bundle of grain, symbolizing the harvest cycle (one year). The kanji 始 consists of 女 (woman) and 台 (platform/base), originally relating to the start of a lineage or birth.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The literal beginning of the harvest/calendar cycle.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Kultureller Kontext
Avoid using 'Nenshi' to refer to religious holidays of other cultures; it is strictly for the calendar year. Also, be aware that some families in mourning (Mochu) do not celebrate 'Nenshi'.
Unlike the Western New Year, which is often a loud party with friends on Dec 31st, Japanese 'Nenshi' is a quiet, family-oriented time starting Jan 1st.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Business Scheduling
- 年始の営業日
- 年始の挨拶メール
- 年始は4日からです
- 年始の業務
Family/Social
- 年始の集まり
- 年始に帰省する
- 年始の挨拶に行く
- 年始のご馳走
Retail/Shopping
- 年始のセール
- 年始の福袋
- 年始の混雑
- 年始の目玉商品
Travel
- 年始の渋滞
- 年始の航空券
- 年始の旅行
- 年始のダイヤ
Media/TV
- 年始の特番
- 年始のニュース
- 年始の新聞
- 年始のドラマ
Gesprächseinstiege
"年始の予定はもう決まりましたか？ (Have you already decided your plans for the beginning of the year?)"
"年始はどこかへ出かけますか？それとも家でゆっくりしますか？ (Will you go out somewhere at the start of the year, or relax at home?)"
"年始のセールで何か買うつもりですか？ (Do you plan to buy anything at the New Year sales?)"
"年始にいつも食べているものはありますか？ (Is there something you always eat at the beginning of the year?)"
"年始の挨拶回りは大変ですか？ (Is the round of New Year's greetings difficult for you?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
今年の年始に何をしたか詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about what you did at the beginning of this year.)
来年の年始に達成したい目標を三つ選んでください。 (Choose three goals you want to achieve by the start of next year.)
日本とあなたの国の年始の過ごし方の違いは何ですか？ (What are the differences between how the start of the year is spent in Japan and your country?)
年始の静かな雰囲気をどう感じますか？ (How do you feel about the quiet atmosphere at the start of the year?)
年始に一番楽しみなことは何ですか？ (What is the thing you look forward to most at the beginning of the year?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, 'Nenshi' typically refers to the first few days of January, often the 1st through the 3rd (Sanganichi), but it can stretch to the first week.
Not really. Use 'Shinnen Omedetou' or 'Akemashite Omedetou'. 'Nenshi' is a noun used to describe the period, not a greeting itself.
It is a very common phrase meaning 'Year-end and New Year.' It covers the holiday period from late December to early January.
Yes, it is more formal than 'Shogatsu' or 'Toshi-ake.' It is the standard term for business and official schedules.
Socially, it usually ends after the first week of January (around Jan 7th, or 'Matsunouchi'). After that, people stop using the term.
Use 'ni' to indicate a point in time (年始に). Use 'de' if you are talking about where you spent that time (年始をハワイで過ごす).
Absolutely. It's the standard way to refer to the New Year period in subject lines and formal greetings.
It's the custom of visiting clients or important people at the start of the year to offer greetings and business cards.
No. For the school or fiscal year starting in April, use 'Nendohajime' (年度初め).
You can say 'Kotoshi no nenshi' (今年の年始) or 'Kon-nenshi' (rare).
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Write a sentence using 年始 to say you are going to a shrine.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence asking about someone's New Year plans.
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Write a formal sentence saying you will visit for New Year's greetings.
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Write a sentence saying the shop is closed during the New Year period.
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Write a sentence about New Year's traffic jams.
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Write a sentence using 年末年始.
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Write a sentence about your New Year's resolution.
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Write a sentence about New Year's special TV programs.
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Write a sentence about buying a lucky bag at the start of the year.
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Write a sentence saying you will be busy from the start of the year.
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Translate: 'I met my family at the beginning of the year.'
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Translate: 'Please check the New Year business hours.'
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Translate: 'The beginning of this year was very cold.'
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Translate: 'I sent a New Year's greeting email.'
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Translate: 'New Year's preparations are finished.'
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Translate: 'I will start work from the beginning of the year.'
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Translate: 'There was a lot of snow at the start of the year.'
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Translate: 'I am looking forward to the beginning of the year.'
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Translate: 'I went on a trip at the start of the year.'
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Translate: 'New Year's greetings are important.'
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Say 'Beginning of the year' in Japanese.
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Say 'New Year's plans' in Japanese.
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Say 'I will go to a shrine at the beginning of the year.'
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Say 'New Year's greeting' formally.
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Say 'The beginning of the year is a holiday.'
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Ask 'What will you do at the start of the year?'
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Say 'Year-end and New Year' period.
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Say 'I'll be busy from the start of the year.'
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Say 'I bought a lucky bag at the start of the year.'
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Say 'Please tell me the business hours for the New Year.'
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Say 'New Year's traffic jam' in Japanese.
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Say 'I'll return home at the beginning of the year.'
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Say 'New Year's resolution' using Nenshi.
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Say 'I'm watching a New Year special program.'
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Say 'Right at the start of the year' using Nenshi-sousou.
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Say 'I'll visit for greetings.'
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Say 'The beginning of the year was snowy.'
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Say 'I'll meet my friends at the start of the year.'
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Say 'New Year's preparations are done.'
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Say 'I like the quiet of the New Year.'
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Listen and write the word: Nenshi.
Listen and write the word: Nenmatsu-nenshi.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi no yotei.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi no aisatsu.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi no eigyo.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi no kyugyo.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi no tokuban.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi no jubutai.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi-sousou.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi no houfu.
Listen and write the word: Gantan.
Listen and write the word: Shinnen.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi no yasumi.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi no junbi.
Listen and write the phrase: Nenshi ni hatsumode.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
年始 (Nenshi) is your go-to word for 'the start of the year' in formal and professional contexts. While 'Shogatsu' is for the fun holiday vibes, 'Nenshi' is for the calendar and your official plans. Example: 年始の予定 (New Year plans).
- 年始 (Nenshi) means the beginning of the year.
- It covers early January, especially the first three days.
- Used formally in business, schedules, and greetings.
- Often paired with 年末 (Nenmatsu) to describe the holiday period.
Use it for Schedules
Whenever you see a sign about shop hours in late December, look for '年始'. It's the standard word for 'January opening hours'.
Hatsumode Timing
People often say 'Nenshi ni hatsumode ni iku'. This usually means going to the shrine between Jan 1st and 3rd.
Professional Greetings
In a business email, use 'Nenshi no go-aisatsu' as a polite way to start your first message of the year to a client.
Pair with Nenmatsu
Learn 'Nenmatsu' (Year-end) at the same time. They are almost always used together in the phrase 'Nenmatsu-nenshi'.
Beispiel
年始の挨拶です。
