Ototoshi refers specifically to the year that occurred two years prior to the current year.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the year before last.
- Commonly used in daily conversation.
- Written as 一昨年 in kanji.
類語との比較
「一昨年」は「おととし」と同じ意味ですが、書き言葉や公的な文書で好まれます。読み方は「おととし」以外に「いっさくねん」とも読めますが、日常会話では「おととし」が圧倒的に使われます。また、「一昨年」は「いちさくねん」と誤読されることがありますが、これは間違いですので注意が必要です。
Examples
おととし、大学を卒業しました。
everydayI graduated from university the year before last.
一昨年の売上データを確認してください。
formalPlease check the sales data from the year before last.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
おととしの今日
The same day, two years ago
Often Confused With
Kyonen refers to last year, while ototoshi refers to the year before last. They are consecutive years in the past.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'ototoshi' for spoken language and 'issakunen' for formal writing. It is strictly a noun representing a specific time in the past. It cannot be used for future references.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is mispronouncing the kanji form as 'ichisakunen'. Also, beginners sometimes confuse it with 'kyonen' (last year). Remember: 1 year ago = kyonen, 2 years ago = ototoshi.
Tips
Use Ototoshi in casual daily speech
When speaking with friends or family, always use 'ototoshi' instead of the formal 'issakunen'. It sounds much more natural and friendly.
Avoid reading as Ichisakunen
Never read the kanji 一昨年 as 'ichisakunen'. This is a common mistake; always use 'issakunen' or 'ototoshi'.
Kanji usage in written media
In newspapers or formal reports, you will almost exclusively see '一昨年'. Learning to recognize this kanji is important for reading comprehension.
Word Origin
Derived from 'oto' (the previous one) and 'toshi' (year). Over time, it specifically solidified into the meaning of the year before last.
Cultural Context
In Japan, tracking time precisely is important for business and school records. Using the correct term for the year before last shows a good command of time-related vocabulary.
Memory Tip
Think of 'O-to-to-shi' as 'Oh, two years ago!'. The 'to' sounds echo the 'two' years distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions日常会話では「おととし」が自然です。ビジネスや公的な文書では「一昨年（いっさくねん）」を使うのが適切です。
いいえ、使えません。「おととし」は過去の特定の年を指す言葉です。未来のことは「再来年（さらいねん）」と言います。
いいえ、それは間違いです。正しくは「いっさくねん」または「おととし」と読みます。
Test Yourself
___は、私が日本に来た年です。
文脈的に過去の年を指す必要があるため、「おととし」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Ototoshi refers specifically to the year that occurred two years prior to the current year.
- Refers to the year before last.
- Commonly used in daily conversation.
- Written as 一昨年 in kanji.
Use Ototoshi in casual daily speech
When speaking with friends or family, always use 'ototoshi' instead of the formal 'issakunen'. It sounds much more natural and friendly.
Avoid reading as Ichisakunen
Never read the kanji 一昨年 as 'ichisakunen'. This is a common mistake; always use 'issakunen' or 'ototoshi'.
Kanji usage in written media
In newspapers or formal reports, you will almost exclusively see '一昨年'. Learning to recognize this kanji is important for reading comprehension.
Examples
2 of 2おととし、大学を卒業しました。
I graduated from university the year before last.
一昨年の売上データを確認してください。
Please check the sales data from the year before last.
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This Word in Other Languages
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