Anniversary refers to the completion of one or more full years since a specific event occurred.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Marks the completion of full years since an event.
- Used for anniversaries like weddings, founding dates.
- Commonly seen as 'X周年' (Xth anniversary).
Overview
“周年”是一个汉语名词，读作 zhōunián。它由“周”和“年”两个字组成。“周”有循环、周期、一整圈的意思，而“年”就是一年的时间单位。合在一起，“周年”就表示一个事件发生后，经过了整整一年或多个整年的时间点。这个词语在日常生活中非常常用，用来标记重要的纪念日。
“周年”的使用非常直接，通常与具体的事件或时间点结合。最常见的用法是“X周年”，其中X代表经过的年数。例如，“十周年”、“一百周年”。它也可以用于“周年纪念”，表示纪念某个周年。
Examples
我们结婚十周年了，打算去旅行庆祝一下。
everydayIt's our tenth wedding anniversary, and we plan to travel to celebrate.
这所大学将在明年迎来建校一百周年。
formalThis university will celebrate its centennial anniversary next year.
嘿，今天是我们认识的五周年纪念日哦！
informalHey, today is our five-year anniversary of knowing each other!
该报告旨在纪念该协议签署二十周年，并评估其影响。
academicThis report commemorates the 20th anniversary of the agreement's signing and assesses its impact.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
结婚周年纪念日
Wedding anniversary
公司成立周年
Company's founding anniversary
二十周年
20th anniversary
Often Confused With
'Anniversary' (周年) specifically refers to the completion of a full year or multiple full years since an event. 'Commemorative day' (纪念日) is broader and refers to any day worth remembering, regardless of whether it marks a full year.
'Suì' (岁) primarily refers to a person's age in years. While 'zhōusuì' (周岁) means a completed year of age (like a baby's first birthday), 'zhōunián' (周年) is more general and applies to events, not just age.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '周年' is neutral in formality and widely applicable. It's most often used with a number preceding it, like '五周年' (fifth anniversary). It can be used in both spoken and written Chinese across various contexts.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using '周年' for a person's age unless specifically referring to '周岁' (zhōusuì) for the first year. Do not confuse it with simply '年' (year) as a time unit; '周年' implies a specific point in time marking the completion of years.
Tips
Remember 'Year' Cycle
Think of '周' (zhōu) as a circle or cycle, and '年' (nián) as a year. Together, they mark the completion of a full year cycle.
Not for Age Directly
While related to time, '周年' is usually not used for a person's age like '岁' (suì). Use '周岁' (zhōusuì) for a baby's first birthday.
Celebrations Matter
Anniversaries are often significant milestones in Chinese culture, marked by celebrations, gifts, and reflections on the past.
Word Origin
The word '周年' combines '周' (zhōu), meaning cycle or circumference, and '年' (nián), meaning year. It literally signifies the completion of a yearly cycle.
Cultural Context
Anniversaries are significant markers of time and memory in Chinese culture. They are often celebrated with family, friends, or colleagues, signifying shared history and future aspirations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a circle ('周') representing a full year passing, marking the '年' (year) anniversary.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“周年”特指事件发生满一年或整数年后的日子，强调的是时间的周期性。而“纪念日”是一个更宽泛的概念，泛指所有值得纪念的日子，不一定与整年相关。
“周年”可以用在各种场合，包括个人（如结婚纪念日）、组织（如公司成立周年）、国家（如国庆周年）等，只要是标记某个事件发生后的整数年时间点。
X通常是表示经过的年数的正整数，比如一周年、五周年、五十周年等。它表示的是一个时间段的长度。
“周年”是一个中性词语，既可以用在正式场合，也可以用在非正式场合。它的使用频率很高，非常普遍。
Test Yourself
今天是公司成立十＿＿的庆典。
这里需要表示时间周期，公司成立满十年，应该用‘周年’。
“周年”指的是什么？
“周年”特指从某个事件发生点开始计算，经过了整数年的时间。
请将以下词语组成一个通顺的句子：我们 / 结婚 / 十 / 周年
这是最自然和常见的表达方式，表示结婚已经满十年了。
Score: /3
Summary
Anniversary refers to the completion of one or more full years since a specific event occurred.
- Marks the completion of full years since an event.
- Used for anniversaries like weddings, founding dates.
- Commonly seen as 'X周年' (Xth anniversary).
Remember 'Year' Cycle
Think of '周' (zhōu) as a circle or cycle, and '年' (nián) as a year. Together, they mark the completion of a full year cycle.
Not for Age Directly
While related to time, '周年' is usually not used for a person's age like '岁' (suì). Use '周岁' (zhōusuì) for a baby's first birthday.
Celebrations Matter
Anniversaries are often significant milestones in Chinese culture, marked by celebrations, gifts, and reflections on the past.
Examples
4 of 4我们结婚十周年了，打算去旅行庆祝一下。
It's our tenth wedding anniversary, and we plan to travel to celebrate.
这所大学将在明年迎来建校一百周年。
This university will celebrate its centennial anniversary next year.
嘿，今天是我们认识的五周年纪念日哦！
Hey, today is our five-year anniversary of knowing each other!
该报告旨在纪念该协议签署二十周年，并评估其影响。
This report commemorates the 20th anniversary of the agreement's signing and assesses its impact.
