おととし in 30 Seconds
- "おととし" means the year before last.
- It's used to refer to events two years ago.
- Common in everyday conversations for past timelines.
- Remember: おととし (2 years ago), 去年 (last year).
The Japanese word "おととし" (ototoshi) is a noun that refers to a specific point in time: the year before last. It's a common and essential term for discussing past events and timelines in Japanese conversation. Think of it as the direct Japanese equivalent of the English phrase "the year before last." It's used to pinpoint events that occurred two years prior to the current year.
- Literal Breakdown
- While "おととし" itself doesn't have a direct etymological breakdown into easily recognizable parts in modern Japanese, it's understood as a fixed term for that specific year. It's part of a set of temporal adverbs like "きのう" (yesterday), "おととい" (the day before yesterday), "らいねん" (next year), and "さらいねん" (the year after next).
私はおととしに日本へ行きました。
- Usage Contexts
- You'll hear "おととし" used in everyday conversations when people are reminiscing about past events, discussing personal history, or setting the timeline for a story. For example, someone might talk about a job they started "おととし," a trip they took "おととし," or a significant life event that happened "おととし." It's a very common temporal adverb, especially when discussing events that are not so recent that they'd require a specific year number but are still within recent memory.
おととしの夏はとても暑かった。
- Temporal Adverbs in Japanese
- Japanese has a rich set of words to describe time. For recent past and future, these are very common:
- 今日 (きょう - kyō): today
- 昨日 (きのう - kinō): yesterday
- おととい (ototoi): the day before yesterday
- 明日 (あした - ashita): tomorrow
- 明後日 (あさって - asatte): the day after tomorrow
Similarly, for years:
- 今年 (ことし - kotoshi): this year
- 去年の (きょねんの - kyonen no): last year's
- おととし (ototoshi): the year before last
- 来年 (らいねん - rainen): next year
- 再来年 (さらいねん - sarainen): the year after next
Understanding these will greatly improve your ability to discuss timelines and past events accurately.
おととしの 12 月に引っ越しました。
"おととし" functions as a temporal adverb, indicating when an action took place. It can appear at the beginning of a sentence or before the verb it modifies, similar to other time expressions in Japanese. It typically precedes the noun it modifies when used as an adjective, often with the particle "の" (no) to show possession or relation, like "おととしの夏" (the summer of the year before last).
- Basic Sentence Structure
- The most straightforward way to use "おととし" is to place it at the beginning of the sentence to set the temporal context, followed by the subject and predicate. Alternatively, it can be placed before the verb or the phrase it's describing.
おととし、新しい車を買いました。
- Using "の" with "おととし"
- When "おととし" modifies a noun (like a season, event, or thing), the particle "の" is often used to connect them. This structure is very common and helps to specify the noun belonging to that particular year.
おととしの出来事は忘れられません。
- Placement Variations
- While placing "おととし" at the beginning is common, it can also appear later in the sentence, especially if other temporal information is present. However, for clarity and emphasis on the time frame, starting with "おととし" is often preferred.
私はおととし、この町に引っ越しました。
おととしの冬は雪がたくさん降った。
- Examples with Verbs
- "おととし" can be combined with various verbs to describe actions that occurred two years ago. The verb tense will typically be in the past tense.
おととし、英語の勉強を始めました。
- More Complex Sentences
- In more complex sentences, "おととし" can be used to establish the temporal setting for a series of events or a narrative. It helps the listener or reader understand the sequence of happenings.
おととしに卒業した大学を、先日訪れました。
"おととし" is a word you'll encounter frequently in everyday Japanese conversations, media, and literature. Its commonality stems from the natural human tendency to refer to recent past events. It's not a formal or specialized term; rather, it's a workhorse for temporal discussions.
- Casual Conversations
- Imagine friends chatting about their lives. Someone might say: "おととし、北海道に旅行に行ったんだ。すごく良かったよ" (I went on a trip to Hokkaido the year before last. It was really good!). Or perhaps discussing a change in their lives: "おととしに今の会社に入ったんです" (I joined my current company the year before last.). These are typical scenarios where "おととし" is used naturally.
あのレストラン、おととしにできたんだよ。
- News and Documentaries
- When discussing past events that have a significant impact or are part of a historical narrative, "おととし" might be used to pinpoint a moment within a recent timeframe. For example, a news report discussing the aftermath of a natural disaster might mention: "おととしの地震の影響で、多くの建物が被害を受けました" (Due to the earthquake the year before last, many buildings were damaged.).
おととしの出来事を振り返る。
- Personal Narratives and Stories
- In books, movies, or even personal anecdotes, "おととし" helps to anchor the timeline of a story. A character might recall a pivotal moment: "おととしの夏、私は人生の岐路に立っていました" (The summer the year before last, I stood at a crossroads in my life.). This sets the stage for subsequent events.
おととしの秋に撮った写真です。
おととしの大会で優勝しました。
- When Specific Year Numbers Aren't Needed
- Often, speakers don't need to specify the exact year (e.g., 2022). "おととし" is sufficient when the context makes it clear that it refers to the year two years prior to the current one. This makes communication more fluid and less cumbersome.
おととしの経験が今に活きている。
While "おととし" is a straightforward word, learners can sometimes make mistakes, often related to confusing it with similar temporal terms or misplacing it in a sentence. Being aware of these common errors can help you use the word accurately.
- Confusing with "きのう" or "おととい"
- The most frequent mistake is confusing "おととし" (the year before last) with shorter-term past adverbs like "きのう" (yesterday) or "おととい" (the day before yesterday). This is usually a memory lapse or a misunderstanding of the time scale. Always double-check if you mean two years ago or just a couple of days ago.
❌ 私はきのうに日本へ行きました。
- Confusing with "らいねん" or "さらいねん"
- Similarly, mixing up "おととし" with future terms like "らいねん" (next year) or "さらいねん" (the year after next) can lead to significant misunderstandings. Ensure you are correctly distinguishing between past and future time references.
❌ おととし、卒業します。
- Incorrect Use of Particle "の"
- While "おととしの" is correct when modifying a noun (e.g., "おととしの夏"), some learners might incorrectly try to use "の" when "おととし" is functioning purely as an adverb at the start of a sentence, or vice versa. Remember, "おととし" alone can act as an adverb, while "おととしの" acts like an adjective phrase.
❌ おととしの、新しい車を買いました。
❌ おととい、卒業します。
- Misplacing "おととし" in the Sentence
- While Japanese word order is flexible, placing temporal adverbs like "おととし" in very unusual positions can sometimes sound unnatural or confusing. The most common and safest positions are at the beginning of the sentence or before the verb it modifies. Avoid placing it too far from the part of the sentence it's meant to describe.
❌ 車を、おととし、買いました。
In Japanese, temporal expressions are precise. While "おととし" is the standard term for "the year before last," understanding its nuances and comparing it with similar words is crucial for accurate communication.
- "去年の" (Kyonen no) - Last Year's
- "去年の" is an adjective phrase meaning "last year's." It refers to the year immediately preceding the current one. It's crucial not to confuse this with "おととし," which is two years ago.
- Example Comparison:
・おととし、大学を卒業しました。(I graduated from university the year before last.)
・去年、新しい仕事を見つけました。(I found a new job last year.)
おととしと去年では、時間の感覚が違います。
- Specific Year Numbers (e.g., 2022年 - Nisen Nijūni Nen)
- In situations where precision is paramount, or when referring to events far in the past, using the specific year number followed by "年" (nen - year) is the most accurate method. "おととし" is a more general term for that specific past year.
- Example Comparison:
・おととし、初めて海外旅行に行きました。(I went on my first overseas trip the year before last.)
・2022年に、初めて海外旅行に行きました。(I went on my first overseas trip in 2022.)
おととしの出来事は、2022年の出来事と同じです。
- "一昨年" (Issakunen) - A More Formal Alternative
- "一昨年" is another way to say "the year before last." It's written using kanji and is generally considered slightly more formal or literary than the hiragana "おととし." In everyday spoken Japanese, "おととし" is more common.
- Example Comparison:
・おととし、新しい趣味を見つけました。(I found a new hobby the year before last. - Common spoken)
・一昨年、新しい趣味を見つけました。(I found a new hobby the year before last. - Slightly more formal)
「おととし」と「一昨年」は同じ意味ですが、使われる場面が少し違います。
- Other Temporal Adverbs
- Remember to also differentiate "おととし" from other temporal adverbs in the sequence: "去年" (kyonen - last year), "今年" (kotoshi - this year), "来年" (rainen - next year), and "再来年" (sarainen - the year after next). Mastering this sequence is key to accurate time-telling in Japanese.
おととし、去年、今年、来年、再来年。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The set of temporal adverbs for days and years in Japanese shows a consistent pattern: おととい (the day before yesterday), おととし (the year before last), 明後日 (the day after tomorrow), and 再来年 (the year after next). This pattern helps learners remember the relationships between these words.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'o' or 'to' sounds too long.
- Confusing the 'shi' sound with 'chi' or 'su'.
Difficulty Rating
Recognizing "おととし" in written text is straightforward once you know its meaning. It's a common term in general reading materials.
Using "おととし" correctly in writing is easy once you understand its placement and the use of "の" when modifying nouns.
Pronouncing and using "おととし" in spoken Japanese is also simple and common in daily conversations.
Understanding "おととし" when spoken is generally easy due to its clear pronunciation and frequent use.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Temporal Adverbs
Japanese has specific words for time periods like "yesterday," "tomorrow," "last year," and "the year before last." "おととし" is one such adverb.
Use of Particle 'の' with Time Nouns
When a time noun like "おととし" modifies another noun (e.g., "summer"), the particle "の" is often used: "おととしの夏" (the summer of the year before last).
Past Tense Verbs
When referring to events that happened in the past, such as "おととし," you will typically use verbs in the past tense (e.g., ～ました, ～た).
Sentence Structure with Temporal Adverbs
Temporal adverbs like "おととし" can often be placed at the beginning of a sentence to set the time frame: "おととし、私は～しました."
Distinguishing Past and Future Temporal Adverbs
It's important to correctly differentiate between past adverbs (like "おととし") and future adverbs (like "来年").
Examples by Level
おととし、犬を飼いました。
I got a dog the year before last.
"おととし" indicates the time frame of the action.
おととしの夏は暑かった。
The summer the year before last was hot.
"おととしの" modifies "夏" (summer).
おととし、この本を読みました。
I read this book the year before last.
Past tense verb used with the past time adverb.
おととし、友達と会いました。
I met my friend the year before last.
Simple past action described.
おととし、新しい自転車を買った。
I bought a new bicycle the year before last.
Informal past tense ending.
おととし、日本に旅行しました。
I traveled to Japan the year before last.
Standard sentence structure.
おととしの冬は寒かった。
The winter the year before last was cold.
"おととしの" specifies the season.
おととし、この映画を見た。
I watched this movie the year before last.
Informal past tense.
私はおととし、この大学に入学しました。
I entered this university the year before last.
"おととし" is placed at the beginning to set the temporal context.
おととしの春は、花がたくさん咲きました。
In the spring the year before last, many flowers bloomed.
"おととしの" modifies "春" (spring).
おととし、新しいスキルを学び始めました。
I started learning a new skill the year before last.
Compound verb "学び始める" (start learning) used.
おととしの夏休みは、家族と過ごしました。
I spent the summer vacation the year before last with my family.
Describes a past activity with family.
おととし、初めて一人暮らしを始めました。
I started living alone for the first time the year before last.
Describes a significant life change.
おととしの秋は、紅葉がとてもきれいでした。
The autumn the year before last, the autumn leaves were very beautiful.
Describing scenery from the past.
おととし、この町に引っ越しました。
I moved to this town the year before last.
Past action of moving.
おととしの経験は、今の私に役立っています。
The experiences from the year before last are useful to me now.
Connects past experience to the present.
おととし、私は海外でボランティア活動に参加しました。
I participated in volunteer activities abroad the year before last.
"参加しました" (participated) is a common verb for activities.
おととしの年末に、大きなプロジェクトが完了しました。
A major project was completed at the end of the year before last.
"年末" (end of the year) is often used with temporal adverbs.
おととしに始めた語学学習は、今も続いています。
The language study I started the year before last is still continuing.
Using "～に始めた" to describe the start of an action.
おととしの夏、家族でキャンプに行った思い出は忘れられません。
I can't forget the memory of going camping with my family the summer the year before last.
Using "思い出" (memory) with a past event.
おととし、新しいビジネスを立ち上げました。
I launched a new business the year before last.
"立ち上げました" (launched) is used for new ventures.
おととしの冬の寒さは厳しく、多くの雪が降りました。
The winter the year before last was severely cold, and a lot of snow fell.
Describing weather conditions with adjectives.
おととし、私は人生の大きな決断をしました。
I made a big decision in my life the year before last.
"人生の決断" (life decision) is a common phrase.
おととしの経験から、多くのことを学びました。
I learned many things from the experiences of the year before last.
"～から" (from) indicates the source of learning.
おととし、私は国際会議で発表する機会を得ました。
I had the opportunity to present at an international conference the year before last.
"機会を得ました" (gained an opportunity) is a more formal expression.
おととしの秋に開催された文化祭は、地域住民の交流の場となりました。
The cultural festival held in the autumn the year before last became a place for community interaction.
"開催された" (was held) and "～の場となりました" (became a place for) are more complex structures.
おととしに始めた環境保護活動は、今や全国的なムーブメントに発展しました。
The environmental protection activities I started the year before last have now developed into a nationwide movement.
"今や～に発展しました" (now developed into) shows progression.
おととしの冬、記録的な大雪に見舞われ、交通網が麻痺しました。
The winter the year before last, we were hit by record-breaking heavy snow, and the transportation network was paralyzed.
"記録的な" (record-breaking) and "麻痺しました" (was paralyzed) add detail.
おととし、私は個人的な理由で休職することを余儀なくされました。
I was forced to take a leave of absence for personal reasons the year before last.
"～することを余儀なくされました" (was forced to do) indicates an unavoidable situation.
おととしの夏に経験した猛暑は、人々の健康に大きな影響を与えました。
The extreme heat experienced in the summer the year before last had a significant impact on people's health.
"猛暑" (extreme heat) and "影響を与えました" (had an impact) are advanced vocabulary.
おととし、私たちは新しい技術の導入を決定しました。
We decided to introduce new technology the year before last.
"技術の導入" (introduction of technology) is a business-related term.
おととしの経験は、私のキャリアパスを大きく変えるきっかけとなりました。
The experiences from the year before last became a catalyst for significantly changing my career path.
"キャリアパス" (career path) and "きっかけとなりました" (became a catalyst) are sophisticated phrases.
おととし、私が主導した研究プロジェクトは、学術界に一石を投じるものとなりました。
The research project I led the year before last became something that would make waves in the academic world.
"主導した" (led) and "一石を投じる" (make waves/cause a stir) are advanced idiomatic expressions.
おととしの秋に発表された経済予測は、その後の市場動向を正確に言い当てていました。
The economic forecasts announced in the autumn the year before last accurately predicted subsequent market trends.
"経済予測" (economic forecast) and "市場動向" (market trends) are specialized terms.
おととしに設立されたNPOは、地域社会の持続可能な発展に不可欠な役割を果たしています。
The NPO established the year before last plays an indispensable role in the sustainable development of the local community.
"持続可能な発展" (sustainable development) and "不可欠な役割" (indispensable role) are formal and complex.
おととしの冬、極端な寒波に見舞われ、エネルギー供給網に前例のない負荷がかかりました。
The winter the year before last, we were hit by an extreme cold snap, and the energy supply network experienced unprecedented strain.
"極端な寒波" (extreme cold snap) and "前例のない負荷" (unprecedented strain) are highly descriptive.
おととし、私は個人的な成長を求めて、長年勤めた会社を辞することを決意しました。
I resolved to quit the company I had worked for many years to seek personal growth the year before last.
"個人的な成長を求める" (seek personal growth) and "決意しました" (resolved) are strong expressions.
おととしの夏に経験した異常気象は、気候変動の深刻さを改めて浮き彫りにしました。
The abnormal weather experienced in the summer the year before last once again highlighted the seriousness of climate change.
"異常気象" (abnormal weather) and "浮き彫りにしました" (highlighted/brought to light) are sophisticated.
おととし、私たちはグローバル市場への参入戦略を策定しました。
We formulated a strategy for entering the global market the year before last.
"参入戦略を策定しました" (formulated an entry strategy) is business jargon.
おととしの経験は、私の視野を広げ、人生に対する見方を根本的に変える契機となりました。
The experiences from the year before last broadened my horizons and became an opportunity to fundamentally change my outlook on life.
"視野を広げる" (broaden horizons) and "根本的に変える契機" (opportunity to fundamentally change) are advanced.
おととし、私が携わった社会改革プロジェクトは、制度的な壁に直面し、その推進は困難を極めました。
The social reform project I was involved with the year before last faced institutional barriers, and its promotion was extremely difficult.
"携わった" (was involved with), "制度的な壁" (institutional barriers), "困難を極めました" (was extremely difficult) demonstrate advanced vocabulary and phrasing.
おととしの秋に発表された国際的な学術論文は、従来のパラダイムに揺さぶりをかけるものであり、その影響は計り知れません。
The international academic paper published in the autumn the year before last was something that shook conventional paradigms, and its impact is immeasurable.
"従来のパラダイムに揺さぶりをかける" (shake conventional paradigms) and "影響は計り知れません" (impact is immeasurable) are high-level expressions.
おととしに設立された国際協力機構は、紛争地域における人道支援の最前線で、その存在意義を証明し続けています。
The international cooperation agency established the year before last continues to prove its raison d'être at the forefront of humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
"存在意義を証明し続けています" (continues to prove its raison d'être) and "紛争地域" (conflict zones) are very advanced.
おととしの冬、観測史上類を見ない寒波が襲来し、インフラストラクチャーに壊滅的な打撃を与えました。
The winter the year before last, a cold snap unprecedented in recorded history struck, dealing a devastating blow to infrastructure.
"観測史上類を見ない" (unprecedented in recorded history) and "壊滅的な打撃" (devastating blow) are sophisticated.
おととし、私は自己実現を追求するあまり、周囲との関係性を疎かにしてしまったことを深く反省しています。
I deeply regret neglecting my relationships with those around me due to my excessive pursuit of self-realization the year before last.
"自己実現を追求する" (pursue self-realization), "関係性を疎かにする" (neglect relationships), and "深く反省しています" (deeply regret) are complex and nuanced.
おととしの夏に発生した異常気象は、地球温暖化との関連性が科学的に証明され、国際社会に警鐘を鳴らしました。
The abnormal weather that occurred in the summer the year before last was scientifically proven to be related to global warming, sounding an alarm to the international community.
"地球温暖化" (global warming), "科学的に証明され" (scientifically proven), and "警鐘を鳴らしました" (sounded an alarm) are advanced.
おととし、私たちは持続可能な社会の実現に向けた長期的なビジョンを策定しました。
We formulated a long-term vision for the realization of a sustainable society the year before last.
"持続可能な社会の実現" (realization of a sustainable society) and "長期的なビジョン" (long-term vision) are formal and strategic.
おととしの経験は、私の人間形成における極めて重要な転換点となり、その後の人生観に多大な影響を及ぼしました。
The experiences from the year before last became an extremely important turning point in my personal development and greatly influenced my outlook on life thereafter.
"人間形成" (personal development/character formation), "極めて重要な転換点" (extremely important turning point), and "人生観に多大な影響を及ぼしました" (greatly influenced my outlook on life) are highly sophisticated.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I did ~ the year before last.
おととし、新しい趣味を見つけました。
— The summer the year before last was...
おととしの夏は、とても暑かったです。
— The winter the year before last was...
おととしの冬は、雪がたくさん降りました。
— I moved the year before last.
おととしにこの町に引っ越しました。
— I graduated the year before last.
おととしに大学を卒業しました。
— The experience from the year before last
おととしの経験が今の私に役立っています。
— The event(s) of the year before last
おととしの出来事を覚えていますか？
— I bought a new car the year before last.
おととし、新しい車を買いました。
— In the autumn the year before last...
おととしの秋に、紅葉を見に行きました。
— In the spring the year before last...
おととしの春に、新しいプロジェクトが始まりました。
Often Confused With
This means "last year." "おととし" refers to the year before last, so it's one year further back in the past than "去年."
This means "the day before yesterday." It refers to a short period in the past, whereas "おととし" refers to a year.
This means "next year." It refers to the future, while "おととし" refers to the past.
Easily Confused
Both refer to past years.
"去年" means last year (one year ago), while "おととし" means the year before last (two years ago). It's crucial to distinguish the time span.
おととし、日本へ行きました。去年は、韓国へ行きました。
Both start with 'おと-' and refer to a past time.
"おととい" refers to the day before yesterday (two days ago), a short-term past. "おととし" refers to the year before last (two years ago), a longer-term past.
おととい、友達に会いました。おととし、友達と旅行しました。
Both are temporal adverbs related to years.
"来年" refers to the future (next year), whereas "おととし" refers to the past (the year before last). They are opposites in terms of time direction.
おととし、大学を卒業しました。来年、大学院に進学する予定です。
They are synonyms and mean the same thing.
"おととし" is written in hiragana and is more common in spoken Japanese. "一昨年" is written in kanji and is considered slightly more formal or literary, often found in written text.
おととし、新しい趣味を見つけました。一昨年、新しい趣味を見つけました。（どちらも正しいが、前者がより一般的）
Both indicate a past time frame.
"おととし" is a single, commonly used word for "the year before last." "～年前" (nen mae) is a more general structure meaning "~ years ago." For example, "2年前" is "two years ago," which is equivalent to "おととし."
おととし、この町に引っ越しました。2年前に、この町に引っ越しました。（意味は同じ）
Sentence Patterns
おととし、[Noun] を [Verb (past tense)] ました。
おととし、新しい本を買いました。
おととしの [Noun] は [Adjective] でした。
おととしの夏は暑いでした。
[Subject] は おととし、[Place] に [Verb (past tense)] ました。
私はおととし、東京に旅行しました。
おととしに [Verb (stem) + 始めました]。
おととしに勉強を始めました。
おととしの [Event/Season] は [Description] でした。
おととしの冬は、雪がたくさん降りました。
おととし、[Event] が [Verb (past tense)] ました。
おととし、新しいプロジェクトが始まりました。
おととしの [Experience/Memory] は、[Result/Impact] となりました。
おととしの経験は、私の人生の転機となりました。
おととし、[Subject] は [Object] を [Verb (past tense)]。
おととし、私は新しいビジネスを立ち上げました。
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Very Common in everyday speech and general writing.
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Confusing "おととし" with "去年".
→
おととし、私はこの大学に入学しました。
The mistake is using "おととし" when "去年" (last year) was intended, or vice versa. "おととし" specifically means two years ago, while "去年" means one year ago. Always check the time frame.
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Using "おととし" with future verbs.
→
おととし、新しい車を買いました。
"おととし" refers to the past. You cannot use it with future tense verbs like "買います" (will buy). The verb must be in the past tense (e.g., "買いました" - bought).
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Incorrectly using the particle 'の'.
→
おととしの夏は暑かったです。
While "おととしの" is correct when modifying a noun (like "夏"), learners might mistakenly add 'の' when "おととし" is functioning as a standalone adverb, or omit it when needed. "おととし" alone can start a sentence: "おととし、旅行しました."
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Confusing "おととし" with "おととい".
→
おととし、日本に旅行しました。
"おととし" refers to the year before last (two years ago), whereas "おととい" refers to the day before yesterday (two days ago). The time scales are very different.
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Using "おととし" for events more than two years ago.
→
3年前に、この町に引っ越しました。
"おととし" specifically means two years ago. For events three or more years ago, use "～年前" (nen mae), such as "3年前" (san nen mae - 3 years ago).
Tips
Time Sequence
Remember the sequence of years: 今年 (this year) -> 去年 (last year) -> おととし (the year before last). This helps place events correctly in time.
Particle 'の'
When "おととし" modifies a noun, like a season or a specific event, use the particle 'の'. For example, 'おととしの夏' (the summer the year before last).
Even Stress
Pronounce "おととし" with relatively even stress on each syllable: o-to-to-shi. Avoid stressing any one part too heavily.
Link to 'おととい'
Connect "おととし" (year before last) with "おととい" (day before yesterday). Both start with 'おと-' and refer to the second-to-last unit of time (year and day, respectively).
Everyday Use
"おととし" is a very common word used in daily conversations, personal stories, and general discussions about the past. Don't hesitate to use it!
Vs. 去年
Make sure not to confuse "おととし" (two years ago) with "去年" (last year - one year ago). The difference of one year is significant.
Kanji Alternative
While "おととし" is common, the kanji version "一昨年" (issakunen) exists and is used in more formal or written contexts. Both mean the same thing.
Sentence Building
Practice creating sentences using "おととし" in different structures: "おととし、～しました," "おととしの～は...", etc.
Temporal Adverb Family
Learn "おととし" as part of the family of temporal adverbs: きのう, おととい, 今日, 明日, 明後日, 今年, 去年, 来年, 再来年.
Precision
Use "おととし" when you specifically mean two years ago. If you mean three years ago, use "3年前" (san nen mae).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of "おととし" as "oto-toshi." 'Oto' sounds a bit like 'older' or 'past,' and 'toshi' means year. So, it's the 'older year' before last. Or, imagine two 'to' sounds, meaning two years ago. You can also link it to 'oto-toi' (the day before yesterday) – both start with 'oto' and refer to the second previous unit of time (day or year).
Visual Association
Picture a calendar. Circle 'this year.' Then circle 'last year.' The next circle you make, two steps back, is 'おととし.' You can draw two steps back from the current year to remember it. Alternatively, imagine two people standing in line: one is 'last year,' and the person behind them, further back, is 'おととし.'
Word Web
Challenge
For the next week, consciously try to use "おととし" in your internal monologue or when talking to yourself. When you think about something that happened two years ago, say "おととし" out loud. For example, if you're thinking about a vacation, say "おととしの夏、旅行したな" (I traveled the summer the year before last).
Word Origin
The term "おととし" originates from older forms of Japanese. It is part of a set of temporal adverbs that evolved to indicate specific points in time relative to the present. The "おと-" prefix often signifies "older" or "earlier" in certain contexts, and "とし" means "year."
Original meaning: Literally, it can be loosely interpreted as "the year before (the previous) year."
Japonic languagesCultural Context
There are no particular sensitivities associated with the use of "おととし." It is a neutral term used for discussing past events.
In English, we have "the year before last" or sometimes we'll use the specific year (e.g., "in 2022"). The Japanese "おととし" is a direct, single-word equivalent that is very commonly used.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Recounting personal history or life events.
- おととし、～しました。
- おととしの夏は...
- おととしの経験から...
Discussing past travel or experiences.
- おととし、旅行に行きました。
- おととしの秋の思い出
- おととしの冬は寒かった。
Talking about changes in life, such as moving, changing jobs, or starting something new.
- おととしに引っ越しました。
- おととし、転職しました。
- おととしに始めました。
Describing past weather or seasons.
- おととしの夏は暑かった。
- おととしの冬は雪が多かった。
- おととしの春は暖かかった。
Referring to past academic or professional achievements.
- おととしに卒業しました。
- おととし、プロジェクトが完了しました。
- おととしの会議で発表しました。
Conversation Starters
"What was the most memorable thing you did the year before last?"
"Did you start any new hobbies or learn any new skills the year before last?"
"How was the weather the summer the year before last where you lived?"
"Can you recall any significant events that happened the year before last?"
"What were you doing the year before last?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a significant event that occurred the year before last. Use "おととし" to set the time.
Describe your feelings or thoughts about the year before last. What was it like?
If you could go back to one day from the year before last, which day would it be and why?
Reflect on how the year before last has influenced your life today.
Imagine you are telling a younger person about your life. What important things happened the year before last?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions"去年" (kyonen) means "last year," referring to the year immediately before the current one. "おととし" (ototoshi) means "the year before last," referring to the year two years prior to the current one. Think of it as: 今年 (this year) -> 去年 (last year) -> おととし (the year before last).
In everyday spoken Japanese, "おととし" is perfectly fine and commonly used in most situations. For very formal writing or speeches, "一昨年" (issakunen), the kanji version, might be preferred, but "おととし" is not incorrect.
Yes, you can always use the specific year number (e.g., "2022年" - 2022 nen) if you want to be precise. For example, "おととし、日本に行きました" (I went to Japan the year before last) is equivalent to "2022年、日本に行きました" (I went to Japan in 2022), assuming the current year is 2024. Using "おととし" is more natural when the exact year isn't critical and the context is clear.
That would be "さらいねん" (sarainen), which means "the year after next." For going further back, you would typically use specific year numbers or phrases like "3年前" (san nen mae - 3 years ago), "4年前" (yon nen mae - 4 years ago), and so on. There isn't a single common word like "おととし" for years further back.
"おととし" can function as an adverb at the beginning of a sentence (e.g., "おととし、旅行しました。") or it can modify a noun using the particle "の" (e.g., "おととしの夏" - the summer of the year before last). Ensure the verb tense is in the past when referring to events from "おととし."
Yes, they share a similar structure and meaning. "おととい" means "the day before yesterday" (two days ago), and "おととし" means "the year before last" (two years ago). Both use the "おと-" prefix to indicate the second-to-last unit of time (day or year).
No, "おととし" always refers to the past. You cannot use it with future tense verbs. If you want to talk about the future, you would use words like "来年" (next year) or "再来年" (the year after next).
"おととしの出来事" (ototoshi no dekigoto) means "the events of the year before last." "出来事" means event or incident, and "おととしの" specifies that these events happened two years ago.
It is pronounced "o-to-to-shi." Each syllable is relatively short and clear, with no strong stress on any particular part. The 'o' and 'to' sounds are like in 'oto' (sound), and 'shi' is like the 'she' in 'she'.
Yes, "一昨年" (issakunen) is another word that means "the year before last." It is written with kanji and is generally considered more formal or literary than "おととし," which is written in hiragana and is more common in everyday speech.
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Summary
"おととし" is your go-to word for "the year before last." It's essential for accurately placing past events in conversation and is frequently used in everyday Japanese.
- "おととし" means the year before last.
- It's used to refer to events two years ago.
- Common in everyday conversations for past timelines.
- Remember: おととし (2 years ago), 去年 (last year).
Time Sequence
Remember the sequence of years: 今年 (this year) -> 去年 (last year) -> おととし (the year before last). This helps place events correctly in time.
Particle 'の'
When "おととし" modifies a noun, like a season or a specific event, use the particle 'の'. For example, 'おととしの夏' (the summer the year before last).
Even Stress
Pronounce "おととし" with relatively even stress on each syllable: o-to-to-shi. Avoid stressing any one part too heavily.
Link to 'おととい'
Connect "おととし" (year before last) with "おととい" (day before yesterday). Both start with 'おと-' and refer to the second-to-last unit of time (year and day, respectively).
Example
おととし旅行に行きました。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
