When you want to talk about things happening in the year after the current one, you use 来年 (láinián). It literally means 'coming year'.
For example, if it's 2023, then 来年 (láinián) refers to 2024. You can use it in sentences to say what you plan to do or what you expect to happen in the next year.
It's a straightforward and common way to express 'next year' in Chinese, making it a very useful word for beginners.
When you're talking about the future in Chinese, 来年 (láinián) is a straightforward way to say "next year." It's similar to how you might say "next week" or "next month."
You'll often hear 来年 used in more formal or written contexts, or when looking forward to the new year. For everyday conversations, 明年 (míngnián) is also very common and means the same thing.
Think of 来年 as a direct and clear way to express the idea of the year that follows the current one.
When talking about the future, Chinese uses time words differently than English. Instead of saying things like "the coming year" or "next year," you'll often hear "来年" (lái nián) to simply mean "next year."
It's a straightforward and common way to refer to the year that follows the current one. You can use it in many contexts where you would use "next year" in English.
For example, if you're planning something for the year after the current one, you might say "来年我会去中国" (Lái nián wǒ huì qù Zhōngguó), meaning "Next year I will go to China."
So, when you hear "来年," just think "next year." It's that simple!
来年 in 30 Seconds
- Use 来年 to talk about the next calendar year.
- It's a straightforward alternative to 明年 (míngnián).
- Often used in more formal or literary contexts, but perfectly fine in everyday speech.
§ What 来年 Means
Alright, let's talk about 来年 (láinián). It simply means 'next year'. No fuss, no frills. You'll hear this a lot, whether you're talking about work, school, or just daily life. It's a fundamental word, so let's get it down.
- DEFINITION
- Next year.
§ Where You'll Hear This Word: Work, School, News
You're going to encounter 来年 (láinián) in a bunch of different contexts. It's not a formal word, but it's not super casual either. It's just... normal. Think of it like saying 'next year' in English. It fits almost everywhere.
§ At Work
In a work setting, 来年 (láinián) is used for planning, budgeting, and setting goals. It's practical. Your boss might talk about targets for 来年, or you might discuss project timelines.
我们来年会有一个新的项目。
Translation hint: We will have a new project next year.
公司计划来年增加预算。
Translation hint: The company plans to increase the budget next year.
§ At School
For students, 来年 (láinián) is all about academic years, courses, and future plans. It's common to talk about what you'll study or do.
来年我打算申请研究生。
Translation hint: Next year I plan to apply for graduate school.
大学的开学日期是来年九月。
Translation hint: The university's start date is next year in September.
§ In the News
News reports, especially those about economy, policy, or future events, will use 来年 (láinián) quite often. It keeps things concise.
专家预测来年经济将持续增长。
Translation hint: Experts predict that the economy will continue to grow next year.
政府宣布来年将实施新的政策。
Translation hint: The government announced new policies will be implemented next year.
§ Key Takeaways for 来年
- 来年 (láinián) means 'next year'.
- It's a common and practical word.
- You'll hear it in work, school, and news contexts.
- Don't overthink it; it's straightforward.
Practice using it, and it will become second nature. No fancy tricks, just solid vocabulary for your Chinese journey.
Difficulty Rating
Two common characters, easy to recognize.
Simple characters to write.
Easy pronunciation with common tones.
Clear and distinct sounds.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
来年 can be used interchangeably with 明年 (míngnián) to mean 'next year'. Both are common.
我来年要去中国。 (Wǒ láinián yào qù Zhōngguó.) - I am going to China next year.
It's often used with verbs indicating future actions or plans.
来年我们再见面吧。 (Lái nián wǒmen zài jiànmiàn ba.) - Let's meet again next year.
来年 can appear at the beginning of a sentence or after the subject.
来年我会更加努力。 (Lái nián wǒ huì gèngjiā nǔlì.) - Next year I will work even harder.
It can be used to talk about events or plans that are certain to happen in the future.
我们来年春天结婚。 (Wǒmen láinián chūntiān jiéhūn.) - We are getting married next spring.
Do not confuse 来年 with 去年 (qùnián) which means 'last year', or 今年 (jīnnián) which means 'this year'.
今年很忙，来年应该会好一点。 (Jīnnián hěn máng, láinián yīnggāi huì hǎo yīdiǎn.) - This year is very busy, next year should be a bit better.
Examples by Level
我期待来年能有更多旅行的机会。
I expect to have more travel opportunities next year.
来年，我们计划扩大业务，进军新市场。
Next year, we plan to expand our business and enter new markets.
希望来年大家都能身体健康，万事如意。
I hope everyone will be healthy and everything goes well next year.
会议决定来年继续深化改革，提高效率。
The conference decided to continue deepening reforms and improving efficiency next year.
他表示，来年将投入更多精力在家庭上。
He stated that he will dedicate more energy to his family next year.
虽然今年成绩不理想，但我们对来年充满信心。
Although this year's results are not ideal, we are full of confidence for next year.
来年我们将推出一系列新产品，敬请期待。
Next year we will launch a series of new products, please look forward to it.
关于来年的预算，我们还需要进一步讨论。
Regarding next year's budget, we still need to discuss further.
我期待着来年能有新的突破和成就。
I'm looking forward to new breakthroughs and achievements next year.
公司计划在来年加大研发投入，以保持市场竞争力。
The company plans to increase R&D investment next year to maintain market competitiveness.
尽管今年面临诸多挑战，我们仍对来年的发展充满信心。
Despite many challenges this year, we remain confident in next year's development.
来年的预算草案正在紧锣密鼓地制定中。
The draft budget for next year is being developed intensively.
为了来年的丰收，农民们从现在起就开始精心准备。
For a good harvest next year, farmers are meticulously preparing from now on.
来年的招生政策可能会有所调整，请密切关注官方公告。
Next year's admissions policy may be adjusted, please pay close attention to official announcements.
我们希望来年能与更多国际伙伴建立合作关系。
We hope to establish partnerships with more international partners next year.
来年的经济形势依然复杂多变，需要我们谨慎应对。
Next year's economic situation remains complex and volatile, requiring us to respond cautiously.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
我希望来年一切顺利。
I hope everything goes well next year.
我们来年去中国旅游。
We will travel to China next year.
他计划来年开始新工作。
He plans to start a new job next year.
来年我们会有一个宝宝。
We will have a baby next year.
公司来年会有很大的发展。
The company will have great development next year.
来年我们还要继续努力。
We still need to keep working hard next year.
祝你来年身体健康！
Wishing you good health next year!
来年你会学到更多中文。
You will learn more Chinese next year.
我们约定来年再见面。
We agreed to meet again next year.
来年是个全新的开始。
Next year is a brand new beginning.
Word Family
Nouns
How to Use It
While 来年 (láinián) means "next year," it's often used in a slightly more literary or formal context compared to other ways of saying "next year." You'll frequently see it in phrases expressing wishes for the future or looking back on the past in relation to the upcoming year.
For example:
来年再见 (láinián zàijiàn) - See you next year. (Often used when parting ways for the holidays)
祝您来年身体健康 (zhù nín láinián shēntǐ jiànkāng) - Wishing you good health next year. (A common New Year's greeting)
公司来年计划 (gōngsī láinián jìhuà) - The company's plans for next year. (More formal business context)
A common mistake is overusing 来年 (láinián) in everyday, casual conversation. While it's not incorrect, it might sound a bit formal or poetic. In most casual situations, 明年 (míngnián) is the more common and natural way to say "next year."
Think of it this way:
明年 (míngnián) is like saying "next year" in a straightforward, everyday manner.
来年 (láinián) is closer to saying "the coming year" or "the year to come," which has a slightly more elevated feel.
For example, if you're just talking about plans with a friend:
我明年去中国 (wǒ míngnián qù Zhōngguó) - I'm going to China next year. (Natural)
我来年去中国 (wǒ láinián qù Zhōngguó) - I'm going to China next year. (Grammatically correct but sounds a bit formal for a casual chat)
Another point: 来年 (láinián) is generally used to refer to the entire next year, rather than just a specific event happening within the next year, for which 明年 (míngnián) would be more suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth 来年 and 明年 mean 'next year.' In everyday conversation, 明年 (míng nián) is much more common and is always safe to use. 来年 (lái nián) tends to be used in slightly more formal or literary contexts, or when you're looking forward to the next year with a sense of anticipation or hope. For learners, focus on mastering 明年 first.
No, 来年 specifically means the immediate next year. It doesn't refer to years further in the future. If you want to talk about 'the year after next,' you'd say '后年' (hòu nián).
You might hear 来年 used around the New Year (both Western and Chinese New Year) when people are expressing good wishes for the upcoming year. For example, '祝你来年一切顺利!' (Zhù nǐ lái nián yī qiè shùn lì!) means 'Wishing you all the best next year!'.
It generally carries a positive or hopeful connotation, especially when used in expressions of anticipation or good wishes. It suggests looking forward to what the new year brings.
No, 来年 is exclusively used to refer to the future next year from the current point in time. For past events, you would use phrases like '第二年' (dì èr nián), meaning 'the second year' or 'the following year' in a past context.
You can use 来年 just like you would use 'next year' in English. For example:
我们来年再见！ (Wǒ men lái nián zài jiàn!) - We'll see each other next year!
她计划来年去中国。 (Tā jì huà lái nián qù Zhōng guó.) - She plans to go to China next year.
While understandable, 明年 (míng nián) is much more common in everyday spoken Chinese. You might encounter 来年 more in written contexts, formal speeches, or songs/poetry. As a beginner, focus on 明年.
The general understanding and usage of 来年 as 'next year' is consistent across different regions. However, its frequency in daily conversation might vary slightly, but 明年 remains the dominant term everywhere.
Think of 来 (lái) meaning 'to come' or 'coming.' So, 来年 literally means 'the coming year.' This can help you remember its meaning of 'next year'.
No, 来年 is primarily a noun meaning 'next year.' To say 'next year's plans,' you would typically say '来年的计划' (lái nián de jì huà), adding '的' (de) to connect it to the noun '计划' (jì huà - plan).
Test Yourself 48 questions
我们___再去中国。
The sentence translates to 'We will go to China next year.' '明年' means 'next year'.
我希望___你能来我家。
The sentence means 'I hope you can come to my house next year.' '明年' fits the context.
___我的生日是五月。
The sentence translates to 'My birthday next year is in May.' '明年' is the correct choice.
他计划___去北京工作。
The sentence means 'He plans to go to Beijing to work next year.' '明年' fits the future tense.
___我们会有一个新的老师。
The sentence translates to 'Next year we will have a new teacher.' '明年' is the appropriate word for 'next year'.
他们说___他们会结婚。
The sentence means 'They said they will get married next year.' '明年' correctly indicates 'next year'.
This sentence means 'I will go to China next year.' The structure is Subject + Time + Verb + Object.
This sentence means 'We will start a new project next year.' '来年' (next year) usually comes before the verb.
This sentence means 'She will move next year.' '会' (will) indicates a future action.
Choose the correct sentence: (Which sentence uses '来年' correctly?)
来年 means 'next year', so it refers to a future time. The other options use '来年' incorrectly with present or past tense actions, or for things that don't make sense with 'next year'. (I hope I can travel to China next year.)
Which of these is the best translation for '来年再见'?
来年 (láinián) means 'next year', and 再见 (zàijiàn) means 'goodbye' or 'see you again'. (See you next year.)
What is the most suitable response if someone says '祝你来年一切顺利!' (I wish you all the best next year!)?
When someone wishes you well, the appropriate response is to thank them. (Thank you!)
The sentence '来年我毕业了。' means 'Next year I graduated.'
来年 refers to 'next year', indicating a future event. 'Graduated' is past tense. The correct phrasing would be '来年我将毕业。' or '来年我毕业。' (with context implying future). (Next year I will graduate.)
If you say '来年我们结婚。' you are talking about getting married in the current year.
来年 specifically means 'next year', not the current year. (Next year we will get married.)
'来年' can be used interchangeably with '明年' (míngnián) in most contexts to mean 'next year'.
Both '来年' and '明年' mean 'next year' and are often interchangeable in common usage. (Both '来年' and '明年' mean 'next year'.)
You are making plans with a friend. Write a short message telling them you're busy this year but want to meet next year. Include at least one specific plan for next year.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我今年很忙，不能和你见面。来年我们一起去爬山吧！ (I'm very busy this year, can't meet you. Next year let's go hiking together!)
Write a short paragraph about your hopes or resolutions for next year. What do you want to achieve or do?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
来年我希望可以学好中文，找到一份好工作。我还想去中国旅行。(Next year I hope to learn Chinese well and find a good job. I also want to travel to China.)
Imagine you are writing a diary entry reflecting on the current year and looking forward. Write a sentence about something you expect to happen or change 'next year'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今年发生了很多事，我希望来年一切都会好起来。(Many things happened this year, I hope everything will get better next year.)
When will person B move to a new home?
Read this passage:
A: 你好！听说你今年要结婚了？B: 是的，今年年底。来年我们就搬到新家。(A: Hello! I heard you're getting married this year? B: Yes, at the end of this year. Next year we'll move to a new home.)
When will person B move to a new home?
The passage states '来年我们就搬到新家' which means 'Next year we'll move to a new home'.
The passage states '来年我们就搬到新家' which means 'Next year we'll move to a new home'.
What is the speaker's plan for next year regarding painting?
Read this passage:
我今年开始学画画，虽然还不太好，但是我觉得很有趣。我计划来年继续学习，希望能画出更好的作品。(I started learning painting this year. Although I'm not very good yet, I find it very interesting. I plan to continue learning next year, hoping to create better works.)
What is the speaker's plan for next year regarding painting?
The passage says '我计划来年继续学习，希望能画出更好的作品', meaning 'I plan to continue learning next year, hoping to create better works'.
The passage says '我计划来年继续学习，希望能画出更好的作品', meaning 'I plan to continue learning next year, hoping to create better works'.
What is promised for 'next year' if the project goes well?
Read this passage:
公司的项目今年非常忙碌，我们都加班到很晚。老板说，如果项目进展顺利，来年我们会有更多的休息时间。(The company's project is very busy this year, and we all work overtime until late. The boss said that if the project progresses smoothly, we will have more rest time next year.)
What is promised for 'next year' if the project goes well?
The passage states '来年我们会有更多的休息时间', which means 'next year we will have more rest time'.
The passage states '来年我们会有更多的休息时间', which means 'next year we will have more rest time'.
This sentence means 'See you next year.'
This sentence means 'I plan to travel to Thailand next year.'
This sentence means 'I believe next year will be even better.'
Choose the sentence where “来年” is used correctly.
“来年” means 'next year' and is correctly used in the context of 'see you next year.'
Which of the following describes a plan for “来年”?
“明年” and “来年” both mean 'next year', so a plan for 'next year' fits the context.
If someone says “来年我会更加努力学习”, what does it imply?
“来年” refers to the next year, so the statement implies a future intention to study harder.
“来年” can be replaced by “去年” without changing the meaning of the sentence.
“来年” means 'next year', while “去年” means 'last year'. They have opposite meanings.
If a Chinese person says “来年见”, they mean they will see you the following year.
“来年见” literally translates to 'see you next year', which is a common way to express future greetings.
“来年” refers to the current year.
“来年” specifically means 'next year', not the current year. The current year is “今年”.
Choose the most appropriate synonym for “来年” in the context of a formal business report.
While '明年' and '下一年' also mean 'next year', '翌年' carries a more formal and literary tone, making it suitable for a formal business report. '将来' means 'future'.
In which of the following sentences can “来年” be directly replaced by “明年” without significantly altering the nuance?
In this sentence, '来年' is used in a straightforward predictive sense, where '明年' would be a direct and equally natural substitute. The other options use '来年' with a more poetic or expectant connotation that '明年' might not fully capture.
Which of the following proverbs or idioms best reflects the forward-looking sentiment often associated with “来年”?
'来年' often implies hope and expectation for the future, which aligns well with the positive and forward-looking meaning of '前程似锦'. The other options relate to time passing or misfortune.
“来年” can be used interchangeably with “去年” (last year) in certain poetic contexts.
“来年” unequivocally refers to 'next year,' while '去年' refers to 'last year.' They are antonyms and cannot be used interchangeably in any context, poetic or otherwise.
When referring to a specific upcoming event, using “来年” can add a touch of anticipation or formality compared to “明年”.
“来年” often carries a slightly more formal, literary, or anticipatory nuance than the more common and neutral “明年”. This is especially true when discussing plans or hopes for the future.
In casual conversation, “来年” is always preferred over “明年” for referring to the upcoming year.
In casual conversation, “明年” (míngnián) is generally the more common and natural choice for 'next year.' “来年” is often perceived as slightly more formal or literary.
Choose the most appropriate synonym for “来年” in the following sentence: “公司计划来年推出新产品。”
“明年” is a direct synonym for “来年,” both meaning 'next year.' The other options refer to different time frames.
Which of the following phrases is LEAST likely to be used interchangeably with “来年” in a formal context?
“来日” refers to an indefinite future and is not specific to the immediate 'next year' like “来年,” “翌年,” “下一年,” and “明岁.”
In which of the following scenarios would using “来年” be most appropriate compared to “明年”?
“来年” often carries a slightly more formal or established tone than “明年,” making it well-suited for formal contexts like business reports or academic discussions.
“来年” can always be used interchangeably with “明年” without any nuanced difference in formality or connotation.
While often interchangeable, “来年” can sometimes convey a slightly more formal or literary tone than “明年.”
The phrase “来年再见” (See you next year) is a common and natural way to express farewell for the upcoming year in Chinese.
“来年再见” is indeed a very common and natural way to say 'See you next year' in Chinese, often used at the end of the year.
“来年” can be used to refer to 'next spring' or 'next autumn' if the context clearly indicates a seasonal timeframe.
“来年” specifically means 'next year.' To refer to 'next spring' or 'next autumn,' one would use “来年春天” or “来年秋天” respectively, or more simply “明年春天” or “明年秋天.”
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
来年 (láinián) means 'next year' and is a simple, useful word for learners.
- Use 来年 to talk about the next calendar year.
- It's a straightforward alternative to 明年 (míngnián).
- Often used in more formal or literary contexts, but perfectly fine in everyday speech.
Example
我们来年再见。
