A commemorative day used to celebrate or remember a significant past event.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A day to remember and celebrate a past event.
- Commonly used for personal milestones like weddings or dating.
- Can also refer to institutional anniversaries like company founding.
使用パターン
「〜記念日」という形で、何のための記念日かを明確にするのが一般的です。例：結婚記念日、創立記念日。また、「記念日を祝う」「記念日を忘れる」といった動詞とセットで使われることが多いです。
一般的な文脈
恋人や夫婦の間では、交際や結婚のスタートを祝うロマンチックな文脈で使われます。ビジネスの場面では、会社の設立やプロジェクトの開始から一定期間が経過したことを祝う式典などの文脈で用いられます。
Examples
今日は二人の付き合った記念日です。
everydayToday is our anniversary of dating.
今年は会社創立50周年の記念日です。
formalThis year is the 50th anniversary of the company's founding.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
記念日おめでとう
Happy anniversary
Often Confused With
Birthday refers specifically to the day of birth, whereas kinenbi is a broader term for any commemorative date.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Kinenbi is used in both personal and formal contexts. It is a neutral noun that does not carry specific honorifics. Ensure you specify the type of anniversary for clarity.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse it with 'shukujitsu' (national holiday). Remember that kinenbi is for specific events, not necessarily days off for the whole country.
Tips
Use with specific dates
Always specify the event before the word, such as 'kekkon kinenbi' for wedding anniversary. This makes your intent clear to the listener.
Don't confuse with public holidays
Remember that 'kinenbi' is usually personal or organizational, not a national holiday. National holidays are called 'shukujitsu'.
The importance of anniversaries
In Japan, anniversaries are highly valued in relationships. Remembering them is seen as a sign of care and respect.
Word Origin
Kinen means commemoration or memory, and bi means day. It literally translates to 'commemoration day'.
Cultural Context
Anniversaries play a significant role in Japanese social life, particularly in romantic relationships. Remembering these dates is considered a key gesture of affection.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Ki' (record) 'nen' (year) 'bi' (day). It is a day to record the passing of years since an event.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsはい、誕生日も広い意味での記念日の一つです。ただし、誕生日という特別な言葉があるため、通常は「誕生日」と呼ぶのが一般的です。
多くの場合は毎年祝いますが、10周年や50周年など、区切りの良い年に大きく祝うこともあります。必ずしも毎年祝わなければならないわけではありません。
あります。会社の「創立記念日」や、製品の「発売記念日」などはビジネスシーンでよく使われる表現です。
相手との関係性によりますが、恋人や配偶者の記念日を忘れると、失望される可能性が高いです。大切な日として認識されているためです。
Test Yourself
今日は私たちにとって大切な結婚___です。
結婚した日を祝う日は結婚記念日と言います。
Score: /1
Summary
A commemorative day used to celebrate or remember a significant past event.
- A day to remember and celebrate a past event.
- Commonly used for personal milestones like weddings or dating.
- Can also refer to institutional anniversaries like company founding.
Use with specific dates
Always specify the event before the word, such as 'kekkon kinenbi' for wedding anniversary. This makes your intent clear to the listener.
Don't confuse with public holidays
Remember that 'kinenbi' is usually personal or organizational, not a national holiday. National holidays are called 'shukujitsu'.
The importance of anniversaries
In Japan, anniversaries are highly valued in relationships. Remembering them is seen as a sign of care and respect.
Examples
2 of 2今日は二人の付き合った記念日です。
Today is our anniversary of dating.
今年は会社創立50周年の記念日です。
This year is the 50th anniversary of the company's founding.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
