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A1 noun #3,874 most common 10 min read

年度

nendo Top 3,874

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 年度 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 年度 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'nendo' means a special kind of 'year' used for schools and offices in Japan. While 'nen' is for the calendar (January to December), 'nendo' starts in April. You will see this word on school calendars or when people talk about starting a new grade. Think of it as the 'school year' or 'work year.' Common phrases you might hear are 'kon-nendo' (this year) and 'rai-nendo' (next year). Just remember: April is the big start month in Japan, and that's what 'nendo' is all about. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, but recognizing it on forms or in announcements is very helpful.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'nendo' in simple sentences to talk about schedules. You should understand that if someone says '2023 nendo,' they are talking about the period from April 2023 to March 2024. You can start using 'nendo-matsu' (end of the fiscal year) to explain why you are busy or why a shop has a big sale. You should also be able to distinguish between 'kotoshi' (this calendar year) and 'kon-nendo' (this fiscal/academic year). For example, if it is February 2024, it is 'kotoshi' (2024) but still 'kon-nendo' (the 2023 cycle). Using 'rai-nendo' (next fiscal year) to talk about future plans at school or work is a great way to show progress.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'nendo' in professional and academic settings. You can explain the Japanese fiscal year system to others and use compound words like 'nendo-nai' (within the fiscal year) or 'nendo-hajime' (beginning of the fiscal year). You should understand how 'nendo' interacts with Japanese era names (like Reiwa 5 nendo). You will likely encounter this word in news articles about the economy or education, and you should be able to follow the context. At this level, you should also be aware of the cultural significance of March and April as the 'changing of the nendo,' involving graduation, hiring, and moving house.

At the B2 level, you can use 'nendo' with nuance in business discussions. You understand the implications of 'nendo-matsu' on budgeting, tax reporting, and project deadlines. You can participate in meetings where 'nendo' is used to define management targets or financial goals. You should be able to read and understand formal documents like 'nendo hōkokusho' (annual reports) or 'nendo keikaku' (annual plans). You also understand that while April-March is the standard, some organizations might use different cycles, and you can clarify this using terms like 'kaikei nendo' (fiscal year). Your usage of the word should reflect an understanding of Japanese organizational structure.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and administrative reasons for the 'nendo' system. You can discuss the pros and cons of Japan's April-start system versus the September-start system used in many other countries. You can navigate complex bureaucratic procedures that rely on 'nendo' cycles, such as corporate tax filings or multi-year government contracts. You use the word fluently in high-level discussions about economic trends, demographics, and social changes. You are also sensitive to the emotional and cultural weight the word carries during the 'nendo' transition in spring, often referred to as the season of encounters and partings.

At the C2 level, you use 'nendo' as a native speaker would, with full grasp of its legal, financial, and sociological connotations. You can critique government policy regarding the fiscal year or discuss the harmonization of Japanese accounting 'nendo' with international standards. You understand the subtle differences in how 'nendo' is used across various sectors—such as the 'rice year' (beikoku nendo) or 'fertilizer year' (hiryō nendo) which may start in different months. You can write sophisticated reports or give presentations where 'nendo' is a key structural concept, and you can use the term in literary or highly formal contexts without hesitation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

年度 in 30 Seconds

Nendo refers to the Japanese fiscal/academic year, running from April 1st to March 31st, crucial for schools, businesses, and government administration.
Unlike 'nen' (calendar year), 'nendo' is institutional. If it's February 2024, it's still the 2023 'nendo' because the cycle hasn't finished.
Common compounds include 'nendomatsu' (year-end) and 'shinnendo' (new year). March is the busiest month due to the closing of this cycle.
The system was historically aligned with tax cycles in the 1880s and now defines the rhythm of hiring, graduation, and budgeting in Japan.

The Japanese word 年度 (ねんど - nendo) is a fundamental concept for anyone living, working, or studying in Japan. While the English word 'year' usually refers to the calendar year from January to December, nendo specifically refers to a 'fiscal year,' 'academic year,' or 'administrative year.' In Japan, this period almost universally begins on April 1st and concludes on March 31st of the following year. Understanding this distinction is crucial because the entire rhythm of Japanese society—from school entrance ceremonies and graduation to corporate hiring cycles and government budget allocations—revolves around the nendo rather than the calendar year.

The Academic Cycle: In the Japanese education system, the nendo dictates everything. Students begin their new school year in April, coinciding with the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura), which have become a potent symbol of new beginnings and the start of the shin-nendo (new fiscal/academic year). Graduation ceremonies are held in March, marking the end of the nendo. When a student says they are a 'first-year student of the 2023 nendo,' they mean they started in April 2023.
Corporate and Government Operations: For businesses and government offices, nendo is the standard for accounting and personnel management. Most Japanese companies hold their 'shinsotsu' (new graduate) induction ceremonies on April 1st. Financial reports are typically calculated based on this April-to-March cycle. If you hear a businessperson mention 'nendomatsu' (the end of the fiscal year), they are likely referring to the busy period in late March when accounts are closed and targets must be met.

日本の学校は4月に新しい年度が始まります。(Nihon no gakkō wa shigatsu ni atarashii nendo ga hajimarimasu.)

Translation: Japanese schools begin a new academic year in April.

The term is composed of two kanji: 年 (nen) meaning 'year' and 度 (do) which in this context functions as a counter or a marker for a specific period or degree. Together, they create a word that defines a 'year-period' specifically designed for institutional use. It is different from toshi or nen, which are used for age, dates, and the general passage of time. For example, while you would use nen to say '2024 is a leap year,' you would use nendo to discuss the '2024 fiscal budget.'

Historically, Japan adopted this April-to-March fiscal year during the Meiji era (specifically in 1886) to align the government's tax collection—primarily based on rice at the time—with the farmers' harvest and subsequent cash flow. This legacy persists today, making the nendo a deeply ingrained structural element of Japanese life that affects everything from television programming seasons to the expiration dates on various certificates and insurance cards.

来年度の予算案を検討しています。(Rainendo no yosan-an o kentō shite imasu.)

Translation: We are examining the budget proposal for the next fiscal year.

Using 年度 (nendo) correctly requires understanding its placement within a sentence and its relationship with numbers. Unlike the general word for year, nendo is almost always tied to an institution, a budget, or a formal schedule. It is frequently preceded by a specific year (e.g., 2023年度) or by prefixes that indicate relative time like zen- (previous), kon- (current), or rai- (next).

Relative Time Markers: Commonly used terms include:
1. 今年度 (kon-nendo): The current fiscal/academic year.
2. 前年度 (zen-nendo): The previous fiscal/academic year.
3. 来年度 (rai-nendo): The next fiscal/academic year.
4. 昨年度 (saku-nendo): The last fiscal year (more formal than zen-nendo).

今年度の目標は、売上を10%上げることです。(Konnendo no mokuhyō wa, uriage o jippāsento ageru koto desu.)

Translation: This fiscal year's goal is to increase sales by 10%.

When specifying a year with nendo, the year number usually refers to the year in which the period begins. For example, '2023年度' refers to the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. This can be confusing for beginners who might expect '2023年度' to end in December 2023. In formal documents, you will also see the Japanese era name used, such as '令和5年度' (Reiwa 5 Nendo).

Another common usage is in compound words that describe specific parts of the year. 年度末 (nendomatsu) is the 'end of the fiscal year,' and 年度初め (nendo-hajime) is the 'beginning of the fiscal year.' These are used frequently in news reports and business meetings to discuss deadlines and planning.

年度末は仕事がとても忙しくなります。(Nendomatsu wa shigoto ga totemo isogashiku narimasu.)

Translation: At the end of the fiscal year, work becomes very busy.

Common Verb Pairings: - 年度をまたぐ (nendo o matagu): To span across two fiscal years.
- 年度が替わる (nendo ga kawaru): The fiscal year changes.
- 年度内に (nendo-nai ni): Within the current fiscal year.

You will encounter 年度 (nendo) in almost every professional and institutional context in Japan. It is not a word used for casual weekend plans with friends, but it is ubiquitous in any setting involving a schedule, budget, or official status. Here are the primary places you will hear and see it used regularly.

1. News and Media: Financial news reports constantly use nendo when discussing GDP growth, government spending, or corporate earnings. Phrases like '2023年度の税収' (tax revenue for the 2023 fiscal year) are standard. During late March, news anchors often talk about the 'nendo-matsu' rush, showing footage of people moving or companies scrambling to finish projects before the April 1st reset.
2. The Workplace: In a Japanese office, your manager might ask you to finish a project 'nendo-nai' (within the fiscal year). Internal announcements about personnel changes (jinji idō) usually happen at the turn of the nendo. You will see posters for '2024年度経営計画' (2024 fiscal year management plan) in conference rooms. It is the language of deadlines and organizational structure.

昨年度の決算報告書を作成してください。(Sakunendo no kessan hōkokusho o sakusei shite kudasai.)

Translation: Please prepare the financial results report for the last fiscal year.

Educational settings are perhaps the most common place for students and parents to hear the word. Schools issue 'nendo' schedules that list holidays, exams, and events from April to March. A '2023年度卒業生' (2023 graduate) is someone who graduated in March 2024. This can be a point of confusion for international students who are used to academic years that start in September.

Public transport also uses the term. Annual passes (teikiken) for students are often issued based on the nendo. When the nendo changes in April, you will see long lines at train stations as students and new employees renew their passes for the new year. Even television shows often run on a nendo cycle, with new programs or cast changes occurring in the first week of April.

新年度から新しいクラスが始まります。(Shinnendo kara atarashii kurasu ga hajimarimasu.)

Translation: New classes will start from the new academic year.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 年度 (nendo) is using it interchangeably with nen or toshi. While all three relate to time, their usage is strictly defined by context. Mixing them up can make your Japanese sound unnatural or, in business contexts, lead to significant misunderstandings regarding dates and deadlines.

Mistake 1: Using 'Nendo' for Birthdays or Ages: You should never say 'Watashi no nendo wa...' to describe your age or birth year. Nendo is for institutional cycles. For personal history or general time, use nen.
Incorrect: 1995年度に生まれました。
Correct: 1995年に生まれました。
Mistake 2: Miscalculating the Year Number: Learners often think '2023年度' means the year 2023. However, it includes three months of 2024 (January, February, and March). If you are referring to an event in February 2024, it is still part of the '2023年度' in a business or school context. Forgetting this can lead to being three months off in your planning.

2024年1月は、まだ2023年度です。(Nisen nijūyon-nen ichigatsu wa, mada nisen nijūsan-nendo desu.)

Translation: January 2024 is still the 2023 fiscal year.

Another common error is using nendo when referring to the duration of time. If you want to say 'I have lived here for three years,' you use nen-kan (年間). Using nendo here would sound like you are referring to three specific fiscal cycles, which is rarely what people mean in casual conversation.

Finally, be careful with the word 今年 (kotoshi) vs 今年度 (kon-nendo). If you are in January 2024, kotoshi is 2024, but kon-nendo is still the fiscal year that started in April 2023. This discrepancy causes confusion even for native speakers occasionally, so in professional settings, it is often best to clarify by stating the specific month and year.

間違いやすいのは「今年」と「今年度」の違いです。(Machigai yasui no wa 'kotoshi' to 'kon-nendo' no chigai desu.)

Translation: The difference between 'this year' and 'this fiscal year' is easy to confuse.

To truly master 年度 (nendo), you must understand the words that surround it. Japanese has several ways to say 'year' or to describe periods of time, and choosing the right one is key to sounding natural and professional.

年度 (Nendo) vs. 年 (Nen / Toshi): As discussed, nendo is for fiscal and academic periods (April-March). Nen is for calendar years (January-December) and for counting years in a general sense. Toshi is more common in casual speech and when referring to age or the passing of time (e.g., 'toshi o toru' - to get older).
年度 (Nendo) vs. 学期 (Gakki): Gakki means 'semester' or 'term.' While nendo covers the whole academic year, gakki breaks it down further. In Japan, there are usually three: ichi-gakki (April-July), ni-gakki (September-December), and san-gakki (January-March). You use nendo for the big picture and gakki for specific school terms.

今年度は、三つの学期に分かれています。(Konnendo wa, mittsu no gakki ni wakarete imasu.)

Translation: This academic year is divided into three terms.

In business, you might also hear 会計年度 (kaikei nendo), which is the formal term for 'fiscal year.' While people usually just say nendo, kaikei nendo is used in legal documents and accounting reports to be absolutely precise that they are talking about money matters. Another related term is 周期 (shūki), meaning 'cycle.' While nendo is a specific 12-month cycle, shūki can refer to any repeating period of time.

For those working in international companies in Japan, you might encounter the term 12月決算 (jūnigatsu kessan). This refers to a company that uses the calendar year (ending in December) as its fiscal year, rather than the traditional Japanese nendo. In these cases, the word nendo might still be used, but it would align with the January-December period. Always check the company's policy!

この会社は4月ではなく、1月が新年度の始まりです。(Kono kaisha wa shigatsu de wa naku, ichigatsu ga shinnendo no hajimari desu.)

Translation: This company starts its new fiscal year in January, not April.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Japan's April-March fiscal year was chosen in 1886. Before that, it changed several times. It was set to April to match the time when farmers had cash after selling their rice harvest to pay taxes.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈnen.dəʊ/

US /ˈnen.doʊ/

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. In 'nendo', the pitch is typically 'Atamadaka' (High-Low) in some dialects or 'Heiban' (Flat) in Standard Japanese depending on the context.

Rhymes With

Kendo (剣道) Sendo (鮮度) Gendo (限度) Hendo (返度) Tendo (天度) Bendo (弁度) Zendo (善度) Rendo (連動 - similar sound)

Common Errors

Don't pronounce it like 'nando' (which means 'how many times').
Don't stretch the 'e' sound too much.
The 'n' is a moraic nasal, so it should be a full beat.
The 'do' is not 'doo' (like 'do' in English), but 'doh'.
Avoid putting a heavy English stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are common, but understanding the April-March cycle is the real challenge.

Writing 2/5

Easy to write, but often confused with 'nen' in context.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is simple.

Listening 2/5

Often heard in formal announcements and news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

年 (Year) 月 (Month) 学校 (School) 会社 (Company) 予算 (Budget)

Learn Next

決算 (Settlement of accounts) 学期 (Semester) 人事 (Personnel) 採用 (Hiring) 更新 (Renewal)

Advanced

連結決算 (Consolidated accounting) 補正予算 (Supplementary budget) 所信表明 (Policy speech) 繰越 (Carryover) 償還 (Redemption)

Grammar to Know

Noun + の + Noun

年度の始まり (Beginning of the year)

Counter + 単位

年度単位 (On a fiscal year basis)

Relative Time Prefixes (Kon-, Rai-, Saku-)

今年度、来年度、昨年度

Suffix -nai (Within)

年度内 (Within the fiscal year)

Suffix -matsu (End)

年度末 (End of the fiscal year)

Examples by Level

4月は新しい年度の始まりです。

April is the beginning of the new fiscal/academic year.

年度 (nendo) acts as a noun followed by the particle 'no'.

今年度は何をしますか？

What will you do this fiscal/academic year?

今年度 (kon-nendo) means 'this fiscal year'.

来年度、日本に行きます。

I will go to Japan next fiscal year (starting April).

来年度 (rai-nendo) means 'next fiscal year'.

年度末は忙しいです。

The end of the fiscal year is busy.

年度末 (nendo-matsu) is a compound noun meaning 'year-end'.

これは2023年度のカレンダーです。

This is the 2023 fiscal year calendar.

Year + 年度 specifies the starting year of the cycle.

年度の終わりにパーティーをします。

We will have a party at the end of the year.

年度の終わり (nendo no owari) is a natural way to say 'end of the cycle'.

新年度、おめでとうございます！

Happy new fiscal/academic year!

新年度 (shin-nendo) means 'new fiscal year'.

昨年度の成績はどうでしたか？

How were your grades last academic year?

昨年度 (saku-nendo) is a formal way to say 'last fiscal year'.

2024年度の予算が決まりました。

The budget for the 2024 fiscal year has been decided.

予算 (yosan) means budget.

年度内にこの仕事を終わらせてください。

Please finish this work within the fiscal year.

年度内 (nendo-nai) means 'within the fiscal year'.

来年度から新しい制服になります。

We will have new uniforms starting next academic year.

から (kara) indicates the starting point.

前年度と比べて、売り上げが伸びました。

Compared to the previous fiscal year, sales have grown.

前年度 (zen-nendo) is 'previous fiscal year'.

年度の途中で学校を辞めました。

I quit school in the middle of the academic year.

年度の途中 (nendo no tochū) means 'middle of the year'.

今度の年度末に引っ越しをします。

I will move house at the end of this fiscal year.

今度の年度末 refers to the upcoming March.

昨年度は大変お世話になりました。

Thank you for all your help last fiscal year.

A formal set phrase used in business greetings.

年度初めは書類の提出が多いです。

There are many documents to submit at the beginning of the fiscal year.

年度初め (nendo-hajime) means 'beginning of the year'.

次年度の経営方針を発表します。

We will announce the management policy for the next fiscal year.

次年度 (ji-nendo) is a formal synonym for 来年度 (rai-nendo).

年度末の決算作業で徹夜が続いています。

I've been staying up all night due to year-end closing work.

決算作業 (kessan sagyō) means 'settling of accounts'.

この奨学金は、2024年度の入学生が対象です。

This scholarship is for students entering in the 2024 academic year.

対象 (taishō) means 'target' or 'eligible'.

年度をまたぐプロジェクトなので、予算管理が難しい。

Since it's a project that spans across fiscal years, budget management is difficult.

年度をまたぐ (nendo o matagu) is a common idiomatic expression.

地方自治体は年度ごとに予算を組みます。

Local governments create budgets for each fiscal year.

年度ごとに (nendo-goto ni) means 'every fiscal year'.

昨年度の赤字を、今年度で解消したい。

We want to eliminate last year's deficit during this fiscal year.

解消 (kaishō) means 'resolution' or 'elimination'.

年度替わりの時期は、役所が非常に混雑します。

During the change of the fiscal year, government offices are very crowded.

年度替わり (nendo-gawari) refers to the transition period between March and April.

当校の年度は4月1日に始まり、3月31日に終わります。

Our school's academic year starts on April 1st and ends on March 31st.

A clear definition of the Japanese nendo.

2023年度の連結決算概況についてご説明いたします。

I will explain the summary of consolidated financial results for the 2023 fiscal year.

連結決算 (renketsu kessan) means 'consolidated accounting'.

年度末の駆け込み需要で、家電の売り上げが急増した。

Sales of home appliances spiked due to last-minute demand at the end of the fiscal year.

駆け込み需要 (kakekomi juyō) refers to a surge in demand before a deadline.

今年度の採用計画は、前年度比で20%増員する予定です。

This year's hiring plan is to increase staff by 20% compared to the previous year.

前年度比 (zen-nendo-hi) means 'compared to the previous fiscal year'.

年度の途中で予算が不足し、補正予算が組まれた。

The budget ran short mid-year, and a supplementary budget was formed.

補正予算 (hosei yosan) is a supplementary budget.

年度末の有給休暇消化を推奨しています。

We are encouraging employees to use up their paid leave at the end of the fiscal year.

有給休暇消化 (yūkyū kyūka shōka) means 'using up paid holidays'.

昨年度の反省を活かし、今年度はより効率的な運営を目指す。

Learning from last year's reflections, we aim for more efficient operations this year.

反省 (hansei) means reflection or learning from mistakes.

年度末に向けて、各部署の予算執行状況を確認する。

Toward the end of the fiscal year, we will check the status of budget execution in each department.

予算執行 (yosan shikkō) means 'budget execution'.

年度単位での契約更新となるため、早めに書類を準備してください。

Since contract renewals are on a fiscal year basis, please prepare the documents early.

年度単位 (nendo tani) means 'on a fiscal year basis'.

日本の会計年度が4月開始になった歴史的背景を考察する。

We will examine the historical background of why Japan's fiscal year began in April.

歴史的背景 (rekishiteki haikei) means 'historical background'.

年度末の道路工事が多いのは、予算の使い切りが原因の一つと言われている。

It is said that one reason for the many roadworks at the end of the fiscal year is the exhaustion of the budget.

予算の使い切り (yosan no tsukaikiri) means 'spending the entire budget'.

昨年度の経済成長率は、当初の予測を大幅に下回った。

Last year's economic growth rate fell significantly below initial forecasts.

大幅に下回る (ōhaba ni shitamawaru) means 'to fall significantly below'.

次年度の税制改正が、中小企業の経営に与える影響は大きい。

The tax reform in the next fiscal year will have a major impact on the management of small and medium-sized enterprises.

税制改正 (zeisei kaisei) means 'tax reform'.

年度の切り替え時期における人事異動は、組織の活性化を目的としている。

Personnel changes during the transition of the fiscal year aim to revitalize the organization.

人事異動 (jinji idō) means 'personnel reshuffle'.

単年度の収支だけでなく、中長期的な視点での財務戦略が必要だ。

Not just single-year balances, but a financial strategy from a medium-to-long-term perspective is necessary.

単年度 (tan-nendo) means 'a single fiscal year'.

年度末の多忙を極める時期に、システムトラブルが発生し混乱を招いた。

A system trouble occurred during the extremely busy year-end period, causing confusion.

多忙を極める (tabō o kiwameru) means 'to be extremely busy'.

新年度の抱負を語り合い、チームの結束を深める。

We talk about our resolutions for the new fiscal year to deepen the team's unity.

抱負 (hōfu) means 'aspirations' or 'resolutions'.

現行の4月開始年度制が、グローバル・スタンダードとの乖離を生んでいるとの指摘がある。

It has been pointed out that the current April-start fiscal year system creates a gap with global standards.

乖離 (kairi) means 'divergence' or 'estrangement'.

年度末の駆け込み執行を抑制するため、予算繰越制度の柔軟な運用が求められる。

To suppress last-minute spending at the end of the fiscal year, flexible operation of the budget carryover system is required.

予算繰越 (yosan kurikoshi) means 'budget carryover'.

昨年度の包括利益計算書を精査した結果、潜在的なリスクが浮き彫りになった。

As a result of scrutinizing last year's statement of comprehensive income, potential risks have been highlighted.

浮き彫りになる (ukibori ni naru) means 'to become clear' or 'to stand out'.

年度初めの所信表明演説において、首相は構造改革の断行を強調した。

In the policy speech at the beginning of the fiscal year, the Prime Minister emphasized the execution of structural reforms.

所信表明演説 (shoshin hyōmei ensetsu) is a policy speech.

特定非営利活動法人は、年度終了後3ヶ月以内に事業報告書を提出しなければならない。

Non-profit organizations must submit a business report within three months after the end of the fiscal year.

年度終了後 (nendo shūryō-go) means 'after the fiscal year ends'.

年度を跨ぐ長期債務の償還計画を再構築し、財務の健全性を確保する。

We will restructure the redemption plan for long-term debt spanning fiscal years to ensure financial health.

償還 (shōkan) means 'redemption' or 'repayment'.

昨年度の業績不振を鑑み、今年度の役員報酬の減額が決定した。

In light of last year's poor performance, a reduction in executive compensation for this year has been decided.

鑑みる (kangamiru) means 'in light of' or 'taking into account'.

年度末の喧騒が去り、新緑の季節とともに穏やかな新年度が幕を開けた。

The bustle of the year-end passed, and with the season of fresh greenery, a peaceful new fiscal year has begun.

幕を開ける (maku o akeru) is a poetic way to say 'to begin'.

Synonyms

会計年度学年度年間年歳月

Antonyms

暦年月間

Common Collocations

年度末

年度初め

年度内

年度予算

年度計画

年度替わり

年度途中

年度をまたぐ

年度ごとに

年度実績

Common Phrases

2024年度

— The fiscal year starting in 2024. It covers April 2024 to March 2025.

2024年度の入社式。

新年度

— The new fiscal or academic year. Used in greetings in April.

新年度が始まりました。

昨年度

— The last fiscal year. Used in reports and comparisons.

昨年度のデータを確認する。

前年度

— The previous year. Commonly used in 'zen-nendo-hi' (compared to last year).

前年度と同じ予算。

今年度

— The current institutional year. Essential for office communication.

今年度の目標。

年度末セール

— End-of-fiscal-year sale. Common in shops during March.

年度末セールで安く買う。

年度更新

— Yearly renewal. Used for insurance or subscriptions.

保険の年度更新。

年度単位

— By the fiscal year. Used to describe how things are measured.

年度単位で契約する。

年度報告

— Annual report. A summary of the year's activities.

年度報告を作成する。

年度代表

— Representative of the year. Often used in awards (e.g., Horse of the Year).

年度代表馬に選ばれる。

Often Confused With

年度 vs 年 (Nen)

Nen is for calendar years (Jan-Dec) or general time. Nendo is for institutional cycles (Apr-Mar).

年度 vs 年間 (Nenkan)

Nenkan refers to a duration of one year. Nendo refers to the specific cycle.

年度 vs 学期 (Gakki)

Gakki is a semester. A nendo usually contains two or three gakki.

Idioms & Expressions

"年度をまたぐ"

— To span across two fiscal years. Used when a project or event starts in one nendo and ends in another.

年度をまたぐ工事が始まった。

Neutral

"年度末の駆け込み"

— Last-minute rush at the end of the fiscal year. Often refers to spending remaining budget or finishing tasks.

年度末の駆け込み需要で忙しい。

Neutral

"年度の切り替え"

— The transition from one fiscal year to the next. Implies a major shift in focus or personnel.

年度の切り替えでバタバタしている。

Informal

"年度替わりの挨拶"

— The formal greetings exchanged in early April. Crucial for business networking.

年度替わりの挨拶回りをする。

Formal

"年度の締めくくり"

— The final conclusion or wrap-up of the fiscal year's activities.

年度の締めくくりとして会議を開く。

Neutral

"年度を越す"

— To go beyond the end of the current fiscal year into the next.

この仕事は年度を越しそうだ。

Neutral

"年度内に収める"

— To complete something so it fits within the current fiscal year's timeframe or budget.

報告を年度内に収める。

Business

"年度初めの抱負"

— One's resolutions at the start of the new fiscal/academic year.

年度初めの抱負を発表する。

Neutral

"年度ごとの見直し"

— A periodic review that happens every fiscal year.

年度ごとの見直しが必要だ。

Neutral

"年度を代表する"

— To be the best or most prominent example of that specific year.

年度を代表するヒット作。

Neutral

Easily Confused

年度 vs 年度末 (Nendomatsu)

Often confused with 年末 (Nenmatsu).

Nenmatsu is late December (end of calendar year). Nendomatsu is late March (end of fiscal year).

年末は休みですが、年度末は仕事が忙しいです。

年度 vs 昨年度 (Sakunendo)

Confused with 昨年 (Sakunen).

Sakunen is the previous calendar year. Sakunendo is the previous fiscal year.

昨年度の予算を使い切った。

年度 vs 今年度 (Konnendo)

Confused with 今年 (Kotoshi).

Kotoshi is Jan-Dec of the current year. Konnendo is Apr-Mar of the current cycle.

今年度は4月に始まりました。

年度 vs 次年度 (Jinendo)

Confused with 来年 (Rainen).

Rainen is the next calendar year. Jinendo is the next official cycle.

次年度の計画を今立てている。

年度 vs 単年度 (Tan-nendo)

Confused with 一年 (Ichinen).

Ichinen is just 'one year'. Tan-nendo is a technical term for 'a single fiscal year period'.

単年度会計を採用する。

Sentence Patterns

[Year]年度に[Action]。

2023年度に卒業します。

年度末は[Adjective]です。

年度末はとても忙しいです。

年度内に[Task]を終わらせる。

年度内にレポートを終わらせる。

前年度と比べて[Change]。

前年度と比べて利益が増えました。

年度をまたぐ[Noun]。

年度をまたぐプロジェクトを担当する。

年度の切り替えに伴う[Noun]。

年度の切り替えに伴う人事異動。

Business

今年度の経営方針は[Policy]です。

今年度の経営方針は拡大です。

Academic

[Year]年度入学生の[Noun]。

2024年度入学生のガイダンス。

Word Family

Nouns

年度 (Nendo - Fiscal Year)

昨年度 (Sakunendo - Last Fiscal Year)

今年度 (Konnendo - This Fiscal Year)

来年度 (Rainendo - Next Fiscal Year)

前年度 (Zennendo - Previous Fiscal Year)

次年度 (Jinendo - Next Fiscal Year)

単年度 (Tan-nendo - Single Year)

多年度 (Ta-nendo - Multi-year)

会計 (Kaikei - Accounting)

予算 (Yosan - Budget)

学期 (Gakki - Semester)

卒業 (Sotsugyō - Graduation)

入学 (Nyūgaku - Entrance)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in professional, academic, and administrative contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'nendo' for personal age. → 私は25歳です。(I am 25 years old.)
Nendo is for institutional cycles, not for biological age.
Thinking 2023年度 ends in December 2023. → 2023年度は2024年3月に終わります。
The Japanese fiscal year always ends in March of the following calendar year.
Using 'kyonen' in a formal budget report. → 昨年度の予算...
Kyonen is too casual for business reports; sakunendo is the correct professional term.
Confusing 'nendomatsu' with 'nenmatsu'. → 年度末 (March) vs 年末 (December).
Nenmatsu is for the calendar year-end (holidays); nendomatsu is for the fiscal year-end (work).
Saying 'nendo-kan' for duration. → 三年間 (Three years duration).
To express a duration of time, use 'kan' with 'nen', not 'nendo'.

Tips

Check the Calendar

Always remember that in Japan, April 1st is like a second 'New Year's Day'. This is when the 'nendo' begins.

March Deadlines

If you work in Japan, expect your workload to double in March because everyone is trying to finish their 'nendo' goals.

Don't confuse with 'Nen'

Use 'nen' for dates (2024年) and 'nendo' for cycles (2024年度). They are not interchangeable.

Sakura Connection

Associate 'nendo' with cherry blossoms. They bloom at the start of the Japanese year-cycle.

School Context

When looking at university applications, the 'nendo' is the most important date to check so you don't miss the April start.

Formal Reports

In formal writing, always use '昨年度' (sakunendo) instead of '去年' (kyonen) to refer to the previous business year.

Compound Power

Learn 'nendomatsu' (year-end) and 'nendo-hajime' (year-beginning) as a pair. They are used everywhere.

News Keywords

When you hear 'yosan' (budget) on the news, the word 'nendo' is almost certainly going to follow.

Commuter Passes

Student commuter passes usually expire at the end of the 'nendo' (March 31). Be prepared for long lines at stations in April.

Greetings

In early April, it's polite to say 'Konnendo mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu' to your business partners.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

NEN (Year) + DO (Degree/Period) = Nendo. Imagine a 'New Door' (Nen-Do) opening in April for the new year.

Visual Association

Associate 'nendo' with cherry blossoms (sakura) because the 'nendo' always starts when they bloom in April.

Word Web

Fiscal Year Academic Year April 1st March 31st Budget School Taxes Graduation

Challenge

Try to find the 'nendo' on a Japanese website (like a university or city hall). It will usually be near the top or in the footer.

Word Origin

The term consists of '年' (nen - year) and '度' (do - degree, time, or period). It was popularized in the Meiji era as Japan modernized its legal and financial structures.

Original meaning: A year-period or a year-degree, referring to a segment of time specifically carved out for administrative purposes.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'nendo' in a business setting; ensure you specify if you are using the Japanese April-March cycle or a different corporate one.

In English-speaking countries, the fiscal year varies (e.g., US Federal is Oct-Sept, UK is April-March), but the academic year usually starts in Sept/Oct. In Japan, they are almost always the same (April).

Japanese School Anime: Almost all school-themed anime start with the April 'shinnendo'. NHK News: Daily reports on 'yosan' (budget) always use 'nendo'. City Hall Forms: Every official document in Japan uses 'nendo'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

年度末の決算
次年度の予算案
今年度の採用計画
年度内の目標達成

Education

新年度の授業
昨年度の卒業生
年度途中の転校
年度末の試験

Government

2024年度の税金
年度ごとの報告書
年度内の申請
年度末の道路工事

Shopping

年度末セール
新年度の準備
年度更新の時期
昨年度のモデル

Daily Life

年度の切り替え
年度末の忙しさ
来年度の予定
今年度の抱負

Conversation Starters

"今年度の目標は何ですか？ (What is your goal for this fiscal year?)"

"年度末は仕事が忙しいですか？ (Is work busy at the end of the fiscal year?)"

"来年度から新しいことを始めますか？ (Will you start something new from next fiscal year?)"

"昨年度はどんな一年でしたか？ (What kind of year was the last fiscal year for you?)"

"新年度の挨拶はもう済みましたか？ (Have you finished your new year greetings yet?)"

Journal Prompts

今年度の振り返りと、来年度の目標を書いてください。 (Write about your reflections on this fiscal year and your goals for the next.)

年度末の忙しさについて、自分の経験を書いてください。 (Write about your experience with the busyness of the year-end.)

日本の「年度」システムについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about Japan's 'nendo' system?)

新年度に新しく始めたい習慣は何ですか？ (What new habits do you want to start in the new fiscal year?)

あなたの国の「年度」はいつ始まりますか？日本との違いを書いてください。 (When does your country's fiscal year start? Write about the differences with Japan.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while most do, some international companies or specific industries use a January-December or even an October-September fiscal year. However, the government and schools always use April-March.

It was standardized in the late 19th century to align with the government's fiscal year, which was set to April to match tax collection cycles related to the rice harvest.

You are a '2023年度' graduate, because the 2023 nendo runs from April 2023 to March 2024.

No, never. Use 'nen' or 'toshi' for birthdays and age. 'Nendo' is strictly for institutional and administrative cycles.

It means 'end of the fiscal year,' which is late March. It is famous for being the busiest time for workers and students in Japan.

Yes, if you are talking about school or work schedules. However, for general life events like 'I went to Hawaii last year,' use 'kyonen' (last year) instead.

They both mean 'last fiscal year.' 'Saku-nendo' is slightly more formal and often used in written reports, while 'zen-nendo' is common in spoken business contexts.

Use the word '今年度内' (kon-nendo-nai) or simply '年度内' (nendo-nai).

Yes, you will often see '令和5年度' (Reiwa 5 nendo). This is the standard way to write the year on government forms.

Yes, many TV programs in Japan follow the 'nendo' cycle, with major changes to news anchors or show lineups happening in early April.