Next year is expressed as 'rainen' in Japanese, referring to the year immediately after the current one.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the year following the current one.
- Used for future plans and schedules.
- Essential vocabulary for everyday Japanese conversations.
Overview
- 1概要：「らいねん（来年）」は、現在から見て一つ後の年を指す名詞です。日常会話からビジネスシーンまで幅広く使われる基本的な時間表現です。2) 使用パターン：「来年は〜です」「来年は〜する予定です」のように、未来の出来事や計画を述べる際、文の先頭や時間を示す要素として配置されます。3) 一般的な文脈：新年の抱負を語る時や、将来のスケジュール調整、季節の挨拶などで頻繁に登場します。4) 類語との比較：「あくるとし（明くる年）」は物語や歴史の記述など、少し硬い文脈や過去の時点から見た「次の年」を指す時に使われます。一方、「らいねん」は現在を基準とした未来の年を指す日常的な言葉です。
Examples
来年は日本に行きます。
everydayI will go to Japan next year.
来年度の計画を提出してください。
formalPlease submit the plan for the next fiscal year.
来年こそは合格したい。
informalI really want to pass next year.
来年の研究テーマを決定した。
academicI decided on the research theme for next year.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
来年の今頃
This time next year
来年まで
Until next year
Often Confused With
Kyonen refers to last year, while rainen refers to next year. They are exact opposites.
Yokunen is a formal, Sino-Japanese word often used in written reports. Rainen is used in daily speech.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Rainen is a neutral, polite word suitable for all social settings. It is the most common way to say 'next year'. In very formal writing, you might see 'yokunen' used instead.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes mix up 'rainen' (next year) and 'kyonen' (last year). Also, avoid using 'rainen' when referring to a past event.
Tips
Use with future tense verbs
Always pair 'rainen' with verbs in the non-past (dictionary) form or future-oriented expressions. This makes your sentences sound natural.
Do not confuse with last year
Remember that 'rainen' is for the future. For last year, use 'kyonen'.
New Year resolutions culture
In Japan, people often discuss their goals for 'rainen' during the year-end holidays. It is a common topic of conversation.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji '来' (come/arrive) and '年' (year). It literally means the year that is coming.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'rainen' is central to the Japanese New Year season, where people look forward to new beginnings. It is common to make resolutions for the coming year.
Memory Tip
Think of 'rai' as 'arrive'. The year that is arriving is next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「らいねん」は現在を起点とした未来の年を指します。「あくるとし」は過去の特定の時点から見た次の年を指すことが多く、小説や歴史的な文脈で使われます。
1月1日からその年の終わりまで使えます。年が変わる前であれば、いつでも「来年」という言葉で翌年を指すことができます。
はい、全く問題ありません。ビジネスシーンでも「来年は〜」と標準的に使われる言葉です。
「翌年（よくねん）」という言葉もありますが、これは少し硬い表現で、公的な文書やニュースなどでよく使われます。
Test Yourself
___は、新しい仕事を始める予定です。
未来の予定を話しているため、未来を表す「来年」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Next year is expressed as 'rainen' in Japanese, referring to the year immediately after the current one.
- Refers to the year following the current one.
- Used for future plans and schedules.
- Essential vocabulary for everyday Japanese conversations.
Use with future tense verbs
Always pair 'rainen' with verbs in the non-past (dictionary) form or future-oriented expressions. This makes your sentences sound natural.
Do not confuse with last year
Remember that 'rainen' is for the future. For last year, use 'kyonen'.
New Year resolutions culture
In Japan, people often discuss their goals for 'rainen' during the year-end holidays. It is a common topic of conversation.
Examples
4 of 4来年は日本に行きます。
I will go to Japan next year.
来年度の計画を提出してください。
Please submit the plan for the next fiscal year.
来年こそは合格したい。
I really want to pass next year.
来年の研究テーマを決定した。
I decided on the research theme for next year.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
