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A2 noun #400 最常用 10分钟阅读

今年

kotoshi 前400

At the A1 level, the focus is on recognizing the word '今年' (kotoshi) and using it in the simplest possible sentences. Learners should understand that '今年' means 'this year' and that it is composed of the kanji for 'now' and 'year'. At this stage, you should be able to use it as a time marker at the beginning of a sentence to talk about your current state or simple plans. For example, '今年、日本に行きます' (This year, I go to Japan). You should also learn that you don't need the particle 'ni' after it. The goal is to be able to answer basic questions like 'When are you going to Japan?' or 'When is your graduation?' using this word. You will also encounter it in the very common New Year greeting 'Kotoshi mo yoroshiku', though you don't need to master the full grammar of that phrase yet. Just knowing that 'kotoshi' sets the timeframe for 'now' is the key objective.

At the A2 level, you should be comfortable using '今年' (kotoshi) with a wider variety of particles and in more descriptive sentences. You will learn to use the possessive particle 'no' to create phrases like '今年夏' (this year's summer) or '今年の目標' (this year's goal). You should also be able to use '今年' with the topic marker 'wa' to make comparisons, such as '去年は寒かったですが、今年はついです' (Last year was cold, but this year is hot). At this level, you are expected to use '今年' to talk about your routines, hobbies, and immediate future plans with more detail. You should also be aware of the difference between the calendar year and the academic year (nendo) in a basic sense, especially if you are studying in Japan. Your ability to use 'kotoshi' correctly without 'ni' should be becoming more consistent, and you should be able to recognize the word in simple listening tasks like weather reports or short self-introductions.

At the B1 level, you will use '今年' (kotoshi) to express more complex ideas, such as intentions, probabilities, and specific nuances. You should master the use of '今年こそ' (kotoshi koso) to express strong determination ('This year for sure!'). You will also start to encounter the more formal version '本年' (honnen) in reading materials or formal announcements and should understand that it is a polite synonym. In your own speaking, you should be able to use '今年' to frame discussions about trends, social issues, or personal development over a longer period. For example, '今年、日本では物価が上がっています' (This year, prices are rising in Japan). You should also be able to use '今年' in relative clauses and more complex grammatical structures, like '今年中に' (within this year) to set deadlines. Your understanding of the word should move beyond just a simple translation to an appreciation of how it functions as a pivot point for comparing the past and the future in narrative storytelling.

At the B2 level, your usage of '今年' (kotoshi) and its formal counterparts like '本年' (honnen) and '今年度' (kon-nendo) should be precise and context-dependent. You should be able to switch between 'kotoshi' and 'honnen' seamlessly depending on whether you are in a casual or professional environment. In business contexts, you will use '今年度' to discuss fiscal targets, quarterly reports, and annual strategies. You should also be able to understand and use idiomatic expressions involving 'year', and recognize how '今年' is used in media to summarize societal trends (like the 'Kanji of the Year'). Your reading skills should allow you to handle texts where '今年' is used in abstract ways, such as discussing the 'spirit of the year' or comparing different eras. You should also be proficient in using '今年' with various auxiliary verbs to express regret about things not done yet or excitement about upcoming events, using sophisticated grammar like '〜はずだ' (is expected to) or '〜かもしれない' (might).

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the sociolinguistic nuances of '今年' (kotoshi). You can analyze how the choice between 'kotoshi', 'honnen', and 'tounen' reflects the speaker's relationship with the audience and the level of formality required. You are comfortable using the word in academic writing, legal contexts, or high-level business negotiations. You understand the historical development of the term and its kanji, and you can discuss cultural concepts like 'Toshi-otoko' or 'Toshi-onna' (men/women born in the current year's zodiac sign) with ease. Your ability to use '今年' in complex rhetorical structures—such as using it as a metaphor for a new beginning or a period of transition—is well-developed. You can also pick up on subtle emotional cues when a speaker uses '今年' in a specific way, such as with a sigh of relief or a tone of urgent determination. You are no longer just using the word; you are using it to navigate the complexities of Japanese social hierarchy and cultural expectations.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '今年' (kotoshi) is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word and all its variants ('honnen', 'tounen', 'kon-nendo', 'tou-ki') with absolute precision in any imaginable context, from classical literary analysis to modern technical specifications. You understand the deepest etymological roots of the kanji and how the concept of 'the year' has evolved in Japanese thought, including the traditional 'nengo' (era name) system and how it interacts with the concept of 'this year'. You can give a formal keynote speech using 'honnen' with perfect pitch and timing, or write a poetic reflection on the passing of 'kotoshi' that captures subtle seasonal nuances. Your command of the language allows you to use '今年' as a tool for sophisticated wordplay, irony, or deep emotional expression. You are also fully aware of regional variations or archaic uses of the term that might appear in historical documents or specific dialects, providing you with a comprehensive and nuanced grasp of the word's place in the Japanese linguistic landscape.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

今年 30秒了解

今年 (kotoshi) is the standard Japanese word for 'this year', used in both casual and polite speech to refer to the current calendar year.
It is a compound of '今' (now) and '年' (year), and it usually functions as an adverbial noun without the particle 'ni'.
Commonly used in phrases like 'kotoshi no mokuhyou' (this year's goal) and 'kotoshi mo yoroshiku' (please treat me well again this year).
While 'kotoshi' is the spoken standard, 'honnen' is the formal written equivalent used in business and official ceremonies.

The Japanese word 今年 (kotoshi) is the primary way to say 'this year' in Japanese. It is a compound noun formed by two kanji characters: 今 (ima), meaning 'now' or 'current', and 年 (toshi), meaning 'year'. When combined, they create a temporal noun that refers specifically to the calendar year currently in progress. Unlike English, where 'this year' can sometimes feel like a prepositional phrase, in Japanese, 今年 functions as a noun that can act as the subject, object, or an adverbial time marker within a sentence. It is one of the most frequently used time-related words in daily conversation, business, and media because it sets the temporal frame for plans, reflections, and current events.

Temporal Scope: In Japan, the calendar year typically follows the Gregorian calendar (January to December). However, the word is also used in the context of the 'fiscal year' or 'academic year' (nendo), which begins in April. Depending on the context, 今年 might refer to the 12-month period starting in January or the school year starting in April.

私は今年、日本に行きます。
(Watashi wa kotoshi, Nihon ni ikimasu.)
I am going to Japan this year.

The usage of 今年 is neutral and appropriate for almost any situation, from casual chats with friends to polite business meetings. In very formal settings, such as a CEO's New Year address or a formal written report, you might encounter the synonym 本年 (honnen), but for 95% of interactions, 今年 is the correct choice. It is also important to note that when using 今年 as a time adverb, you do not need to follow it with the particle に (ni). Saying 'kotoshi ni' is generally considered redundant or grammatically incorrect in standard Japanese, much like how we don't say 'in this year' in English for general time markers.

Common Contexts: People use 今年 when discussing New Year's resolutions (kotoshi no houfu), weather trends (kotoshi wa atsui - this year is hot), or upcoming life events like graduations and weddings.

今年の冬はとても寒いです。
(Kotoshi no fuyu wa totemo samui desu.)
This year's winter is very cold.

In terms of social dynamics, 今年 is often used in the phrase 'Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu', which is a standard greeting used at the beginning of the year to maintain good relationships. This highlights the word's importance in the Japanese 'aisatsu' (greeting) culture, where acknowledging the transition of time and the continuity of social bonds is vital. Whether you are a student talking about your grades or a salaryman discussing annual targets, 今年 provides the essential temporal anchor for your narrative.

Using 今年 (kotoshi) in a sentence is relatively straightforward, but there are specific grammatical patterns you should master to sound natural. As a time noun, it often appears at the beginning of a sentence to set the scene, or immediately after the topic marker は (wa). One of the most common structures is 'Kotoshi wa [adjective/verb] desu', which translates to 'This year is [adjective]' or 'This year, [verb] happens'.

Pattern 1: As a Topic: When you want to emphasize that you are talking about *this* year specifically (perhaps in contrast to last year), use the particle は (wa). For example: 今年は忙しいです (Kotoshi wa isogashii desu) - This year (unlike others) is busy.

今年は卒業します。
(Kotoshi wa sotsugyou shimasu.)
I will graduate this year.

Another vital pattern involves the possessive particle の (no). You use this to link 今年 to another noun, such as a season, an event, or a goal. This is how you say 'this year's [noun]'. For instance, 今年の夏 (kotoshi no natsu) means 'this year's summer'. This is extremely common when discussing plans or comparing the current year's weather or performance to previous years.

Pattern 2: Modifying Nouns: [今年] + [の] + [Noun]. Example: 今年の目標 (Kotoshi no mokuhyou) - This year's goal.

今年の誕生日は金曜日です。
(Kotoshi no tanjoubi wa kinyoubi desu.)
This year's birthday is on a Friday.

In more complex sentences, 今年 can be used with particles like も (mo - also) or こそ (koso - for sure/this time). The phrase 今年こそ (kotoshi koso) is particularly powerful; it expresses a strong determination to achieve something that perhaps wasn't achieved in previous years. For example, 今年こそダイエットする (Kotoshi koso daietto suru) - This year for sure, I will go on a diet. This nuance of 'this year of all years' is a great way to add emotional weight to your Japanese.

Negative Sentences: You can also use 今年 to talk about things that haven't happened yet. 今年はまだ雪が降っていません (Kotoshi wa mada yuki ga futte imasen) - It hasn't snowed yet this year.

今年は旅行に行けません。
(Kotoshi wa ryokou ni ikemasen.)
I cannot go on a trip this year.

Finally, consider the placement. While it often starts the sentence, it can also follow the subject: 私は今年、二十歳になります (Watashi wa kotoshi, hatachi ni narimasu) - I will turn twenty this year. Both placements are correct, but starting with the time word often feels more natural when the time is the most important piece of new information you are sharing.

You will hear 今年 (kotoshi) everywhere in Japan, as it is a foundational part of the language's temporal vocabulary. However, there are specific cultural and social 'peaks' where the word becomes unavoidable. The most prominent of these is during the New Year period (Oshogatsu). From late December through mid-January, 今年 is the star of almost every conversation, appearing in reflections on the year ending and hopes for the year beginning.

The New Year Greeting: The phrase 「今年もよろしくお願いします」 (Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu) is perhaps the most common sentence you will hear in January. It translates roughly to 'Please treat me well again this year' and is used with colleagues, friends, and even shopkeepers.

テレビで「今年の漢字」が発表されました。
(Terebi de 'Kotoshi no Kanji' ga happyou saremashita.)
The 'Kanji of the Year' was announced on TV.

In the media, 今年 is used constantly in news reports and variety shows. Every December, the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation announces the Kotoshi no Kanji (Kanji of the Year), a single character that summarizes the national mood or major events of the past twelve months. This event is a major media spectacle, and you will hear news anchors repeatedly using 今年 to discuss the selection. Similarly, weather forecasters use it to compare current temperatures to historical averages, saying things like 今年は暖冬です (Kotoshi wa dantou desu - This year is a mild winter).

Business and Planning: In meetings, you'll hear 今年の予算 (kotoshi no yosan - this year's budget) or 今年の売り上げ (kotoshi no uriage - this year's sales). It is the standard way to refer to the current operational period.

今年の新入社員は優秀ですね。
(Kotoshi no shinnyuu shain wa yuushuu desu ne.)
This year's new employees are excellent, aren't they?

In casual settings, 今年 is the go-to word for discussing trends. You might hear teenagers talking about 今年の流行 (kotoshi no ryuukou - this year's fashion/trend) or gamers discussing 今年の新作 (kotoshi no shinsaku - this year's new releases). Because Japan is a culture that highly values seasonality and the 'newness' of each year, 今年 serves as a constant marker for what is fresh, relevant, and happening right now. From the first sunrise (hatsuhinode) to the year-end parties (bonenkai), 今年 is the linguistic thread that ties the Japanese calendar together.

While 今年 (kotoshi) is a basic word, English speakers and other Japanese learners often make a few recurring errors. The most frequent mistake involves the use of particles. In English, we often say 'In this year' or 'During this year'. This leads many students to mistakenly add the time particle に (ni) after 今年.

Mistake 1: Adding 'ni': Incorrect: 今年に日本に行きます。
Correct: 今年日本に行きます。
Rule: Relative time words (today, tomorrow, this year, next month) generally do not take 'ni'. Only specific time points (at 3 o'clock, on Monday, in May) require it.

❌ 今年に結婚します。
✅ 今年結婚します。
(I will get married this year.)

Another common point of confusion is the reading of the kanji 今年. While the standard reading is kotoshi, some learners see the kanji 今 (kon) and 年 (nen) and assume the reading is konnen. While konnen is a legitimate word (written as 本年 usually, but sometimes 今年 in very formal texts), using konnen in daily speech sounds incredibly stiff and unnatural. It’s like saying 'In the current annum' instead of 'this year'. Stick to kotoshi for all verbal communication.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Kyo' (Today): Beginners sometimes mix up 今日 (kyou - today) and 今年 (kotoshi - this year) because both start with the kanji 今. Remember: Kyou is for days, Kotoshi is for years.

❌ 今日は2023年です。
✅ 今年は2023年です。
(This year is 2023.)

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the 'fiscal year' vs. 'calendar year' distinction. If you are in a Japanese company and someone says 今年のプロジェクト (kotoshi no purojekuto), they might mean the project for the fiscal year ending in March, even if it's currently January. Always clarify if you are discussing deadlines near the March/April transition to avoid missing important dates.

While 今年 (kotoshi) is the standard term for 'this year', Japanese has several other words that refer to the same time period but carry different levels of formality or specific nuances. Understanding these will help you navigate different social situations, from casual hangouts to formal business presentations.

1. 本年 (Honnen): This is the formal equivalent of kotoshi. You will see it in written documents, formal speeches, and New Year's cards (nengajo).
Comparison: Use kotoshi when talking to friends; use honnen when giving a speech at a wedding or writing a business email.

本年も変わらぬご愛顧を賜りますようお願い申し上げます。
(Honnen mo kawaranu goaiko o tamawarimasu you... )
We look forward to your continued patronage this year (Formal business greeting).

Another term you might encounter is 当年 (tounen). This is a more technical or legal term meaning 'the year in question' or 'this year'. It is often used in administrative contexts or when referring to someone's age in a specific year (e.g., tounen juuhassai - eighteen years old this year). It is much less common in daily life than kotoshi.

2. 今年度 (Kon-nendo): While kotoshi refers to the calendar year (Jan-Dec), 今年度 refers to the fiscal or academic year (usually April-March). This is crucial in schools and offices.

今年度の予算案を確認してください。
(Kon-nendo no yosanan o kakunin shite kudasai.)
Please check the budget proposal for this fiscal year.

Finally, it is helpful to know the words for the surrounding years to provide context. 去年 (kyonen) or 昨年 (sakunen) means 'last year', and 来年 (rainen) means 'next year'. In many conversations, 今年 is used as a middle point to compare the past and future. For example: 'Last year was cold, but this year is hot, and next year I will move.' Mastering this trio (kyonen, kotoshi, rainen) is essential for basic Japanese fluency.

How Formal Is It?

正式

"本年も何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。"

中性

"今年は日本に行く予定です。"

非正式

"今年、マジで忙しいわ。"

Child friendly

"ことしは、一年生になります！"

俚语

"今年の冬、優勝してる。"

趣味小知识

The kanji '年' originally depicted a person carrying a stalk of grain on their back, representing the harvest. This is why the word for year and harvest are etymologically linked in Japanese.

发音指南

UK /koʊ.toʊ.ʃi/

US /koʊ.toʊ.ʃi/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'kotoshi', the pitch starts low on 'ko' and rises on 'to', staying high or dropping slightly on 'shi' (Low-High-High or Low-High-Low depending on the dialect).

押韵词

Moshi (if) Hoshi (star) Sushi Nishi (west) Ishi (stone) Kushi (comb) Ashi (foot) Oishi (delicious - partial)

常见错误

Pronouncing it as 'ko-to-shee' with a very long final vowel.
Confusing the pitch with 'kotoshi' (this city), which has a different accent pattern.
Reading the kanji as 'konnen' in casual speech.
Stress-accenting the first syllable like English 'CO-to-shi'.
Mumbling the 'shi' so it sounds like 'sh'.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

The kanji are very basic (N5 level), but the reading 'kotoshi' is irregular (jukujikun).

写作 2/5

Simple kanji to write, but learners must remember the 'ima' and 'toshi' combination.

口语 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and use in basic sentences.

听力 1/5

Commonly heard and easy to distinguish in context.

接下来学什么

前置知识

今 (ima) - Now 年 (toshi) - Year 今日 (kyou) - Today 月 (tsuki) - Month 日 (hi) - Day

接下来学习

来年 (rainen) - Next year 去年 (kyonen) - Last year 再来年 (sarainen) - Year after next 年度 (nendo) - Fiscal year 期間 (kikan) - Period

高级

本年 (honnen) - Formal this year 当年 (tounen) - This specific year 歳月 (saigetsu) - Time/Years 光陰 (kouin) - Time (literary) 星霜 (seisou) - Years (poetic)

需要掌握的语法

Relative Time Nouns

今年 (kotoshi), 今日 (kyou), and 明日 (ashita) do not take the particle 'ni'.

Possessive Particle 'No'

今年の花見 (kotoshi no hanami) - This year's cherry blossom viewing.

Topic Marker 'Wa'

今年はいいことがたくさんありました。(This year, many good things happened.)

Emphasis Particle 'Koso'

今年こそ合格する。(This year for sure, I will pass.)

Time Limit 'Juu ni'

今年中に仕事を終わらせる。(Finish the work within this year.)

按水平分级的例句

今年は2023年です。

This year is 2023.

今年 (kotoshi) is the subject here, followed by the topic marker 'wa'.

今年、日本に行きます。

I will go to Japan this year.

No particle 'ni' is needed after 'kotoshi' when it functions as a time adverb.

今年は暑いです。

This year is hot.

Using 'wa' emphasizes that *this* year specifically is hot.

今年、二十歳になります。

I will turn twenty this year.

The verb 'narimasu' (to become) is used for reaching an age.

今年の冬は寒いです。

This year's winter is cold.

The particle 'no' links 'kotoshi' to 'fuyu' (winter).

今年、大学を卒業します。

I will graduate from university this year.

The particle 'o' marks the place one graduates from.

今年はいい年です。

This year is a good year.

A simple 'A wa B desu' structure.

今年、新しい車を買いました。

I bought a new car this year.

Past tense 'kaimashita' is used because the action is completed.

今年の夏休みはどこに行きますか？

Where are you going for this year's summer vacation?

The question 'doko ni ikimasu ka' is combined with 'kotoshi no natsuyasumi'.

今年、日本語の勉強を始めました。

I started studying Japanese this year.

The compound verb 'hajimemashita' (started) follows the object.

今年の目標は、毎日運動することです。

This year's goal is to exercise every day.

The nominalizer 'koto' turns the verb 'undou suru' into a noun.

今年は去年より雨が多いです。

This year has more rain than last year.

The comparison pattern 'A wa B yori [adjective]' is used.

今年、弟が結婚します。

My younger brother will get married this year.

The subject 'otouto' (younger brother) is marked with 'ga'.

今年はまだ雪を見ていません。

I haven't seen snow yet this year.

The negative 'te-iru' form 'mite imasen' indicates a state.

今年の誕生日に何が欲しいですか？

What do you want for this year's birthday?

The particle 'ni' here marks the occasion (birthday), not the time word 'kotoshi'.

今年は仕事がとても忙しいです。

Work is very busy this year.

The adjective 'isogashii' describes the state of work.

今年こそ、JLPTのN3に合格したいです。

This year for sure, I want to pass the JLPT N3.

'Koso' adds strong emphasis and determination.

今年の冬は、例年になく暖かいそうです。

I heard that this year's winter is unusually warm.

'Sou desu' indicates hearsay, and 'reinen ni naku' means unusually.

今年中に、このプロジェクトを終わらせなければなりません。

I must finish this project within this year.

'Kotoshi-juu ni' means 'by the end of this year' or 'within this year'.

今年は、新しいことに挑戦しようと思っています。

I am thinking of challenging myself to do something new this year.

The volitional form 'chousen shiyou' + 'to omotte imasu' expresses intent.

今年の漢字は「戦」に決まりました。

The Kanji of the Year was decided as 'War'.

'Ni kimarimashita' means 'was decided as'.

今年は、去年ほど忙しくないかもしれません。

This year might not be as busy as last year.

'Hodo...nai' means 'not as...as' and 'kamoshiremasen' means 'might'.

今年、会社を辞めて独立することにしました。

I decided to quit my company and go independent this year.

'Koto ni shimashita' indicates a personal decision.

今年の流行語大賞は何でしょうか。

I wonder what this year's buzzword award will be.

'Deshou ka' is a polite way to express a wonder or question.

今年度の収益は、昨年度を大幅に上回る見込みです。

This fiscal year's earnings are expected to significantly exceed last year's.

'Kon-nendo' is used for the fiscal year; 'mikomi' means expectation.

今年は、創業五十周年という節目の年にあたります。

This year marks the milestone of the 50th anniversary of our founding.

'Ni atarimasu' is a formal way to say 'falls on' or 'corresponds to'.

今年の異常気象は、地球温暖化の影響だと考えられています。

This year's abnormal weather is thought to be the effect of global warming.

'To kangaerarete imasu' is a passive form meaning 'it is thought that'.

今年は、例年以上に多くの観光客が訪れるでしょう。

This year, more tourists than usual will likely visit.

'Reinen ijou ni' means 'more than an average year'.

今年、わが校は創立百周年を迎えました。

This year, our school reached its 100th anniversary.

'Mukaemashita' (greeted/reached) is used for anniversaries.

今年の冬はラニーニャ現象の影響で、日本海側で大雪になる恐れがあります。

Due to the La Niña phenomenon, there is a risk of heavy snow on the Sea of Japan side this year.

'Osore ga arimasu' indicates a risk of something negative happening.

今年は政治の世界でも大きな変化が予想されます。

Major changes are also expected in the world of politics this year.

'Yosou saremasu' is the passive form of 'to expect'.

今年の夏は、電力不足が懸念されています。

There are concerns about power shortages this summer.

'Kenen sarete imasu' means 'is being concerned/worried about'.

本年も格別のご高配を賜り、厚く御礼申し上げます。

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your exceptional support this year.

This is highly formal 'Keigo' (honorific language) using 'Honnen'.

今年の経済情勢を鑑みると、慎重な投資判断が求められます。

Considering this year's economic situation, cautious investment decisions are required.

'Kanzamiru to' is a literary way to say 'considering' or 'taking into account'.

今年は、戦後日本の転換点として後世に語り継がれることになるだろう。

This year will likely be passed down to future generations as a turning point for post-war Japan.

'Gatari tsugareru' is the passive potential form for 'to be passed down'.

今年のノーベル賞受賞者は、日本の科学界に多大な貢献をしました。

This year's Nobel Prize winner made a significant contribution to the Japanese scientific community.

'Tadai na kouken' means a 'great/immense contribution'.

今年の豊作は、農家の方々のたゆまぬ努力の賜物です。

This year's bountiful harvest is the result of the tireless efforts of the farmers.

'Tamamono' is a poetic word meaning 'gift' or 'result of effort'.

今年は、日中平和友好条約締結から四十五周年にあたります。

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China.

'Teiketsu' is the formal term for 'signing/concluding' a treaty.

今年の文芸界は、若手作家の台頭が目覚ましい。

In this year's literary world, the rise of young writers is remarkable.

'Mezamashii' is an adjective meaning 'remarkable' or 'brilliant'.

今年、我々は未曾有の危機に直面していますが、一致団結して乗り越えましょう。

This year, we are facing an unprecedented crisis, but let us overcome it by uniting together.

'Mizou' means 'unprecedented' and 'itchi danketsu' means 'solidarity'.

本年は、弊社にとって飛躍の年となりましたことを、ここにご報告申し上げます。

I hereby report that this year has been a year of great leaps forward for our company.

Uses 'Hiyaku no toshi' (year of leaps) and humble 'moushiagemasu'.

今年の社会風潮を鋭く批判したその論文は、各界に大きな波紋を広げた。

The thesis, which sharply criticized this year's social trends, caused a great stir in various circles.

'Hamon o hirogeru' is an idiom meaning 'to cause a stir' or 'to create ripples'.

今年、古希を迎える恩師に、感謝の意を込めて贈り物をした。

I gave a gift to my former teacher, who turns seventy this year, as a token of my gratitude.

'Koki' is the traditional term for the 70th birthday.

今年の気象データを通覧すると、地球規模の気候変動が加速していることは明白である。

Looking through this year's meteorological data, it is evident that global climate change is accelerating.

'Tsuuran suru' is a formal verb meaning 'to look through' or 'to scan'.

今年の干支は「卯」であり、跳躍や向上を象徴する瑞祥な年とされています。

This year's zodiac sign is the 'Rabbit', which is considered an auspicious year symbolizing leaping and improvement.

'Zuishou' is a literary term for 'auspicious' or 'good omen'.

今年、我が国が直面している諸課題は、一朝一夕に解決できるものではない。

The various challenges our country faces this year cannot be solved overnight.

'Icchou isseki' is a four-character idiom (yojijukugo) meaning 'overnight' or 'in a short time'.

今年の収穫祭は、例年にも増して厳かな雰囲気の中で執り行われた。

This year's harvest festival was held in an even more solemn atmosphere than usual.

'Toriononawareta' is the formal passive for 'was held/conducted'.

今年、政界を揺るがせた一連の不祥事は、国民の政治不信を決定的なものにした。

The series of scandals that rocked the political world this year made the public's distrust of politics definitive.

'Yurugaseta' is the causative form of 'yurugu' (to shake).

常见搭配

今年の目標

今年の夏

今年中に

今年こそ

今年の漢字

今年の流行

今年の冬

今年の運勢

今年初めて

今年の抱負

常用短语

今年もよろしくお願いします

今年で最後

今年一番の

今年に入ってから

今年度中

今年限り

今年こそは

今年の分

今年生まれ

今年いっぱい

容易混淆的词

今年 vs 今日 (kyou)

Both start with '今'. Remember 'kyou' is today, 'kotoshi' is this year.

今年 vs 今月 (kongetsu)

Both start with '今'. Remember 'kongetsu' is this month.

今年 vs 今年 (konnen)

Same kanji, but 'konnen' is a stiff, formal reading rarely used in speech.

习语与表达

"今年の牡丹餅"

Used to describe something that happens very rarely or a lucky windfall (similar to 'once in a blue moon' but specific to luck).

そんな幸運は、今年の牡丹餅だ。

Casual / Old-fashioned

"一年の計は元旦にあり"

The plan for the year should be made on New Year's Day. It emphasizes the importance of preparation.

一年の計は元旦にありと言うから、今年の目標を立てよう。

Proverb

"年を越す"

To cross over into the new year; to survive until the next year.

なんとか無事に年を越せそうです。

Neutral

"厄年"

An unlucky year (specifically ages 25, 42, 61 for men; 19, 33, 37 for women).

今年は厄年だから、お祓いに行こう。

Cultural

"当たり年"

A 'hit' year; a year of great harvest or a year when something happens frequently.

今年は台風の当たり年だ。

Neutral

"年季が入る"

To have many years of experience; to be well-used and seasoned.

この道具は年季が入っている。

Neutral

"年甲斐もなく"

Acting inappropriately for one's age (usually doing something youthful).

年甲斐もなく、はしゃいでしまった。

Neutral

"年波に勝てない"

Cannot win against the waves of years (cannot stop aging).

最近疲れやすくて、年波に勝てないよ。

Casual

"忘年"

Forgetting the year (and its troubles).

今夜は忘年会のシーズンだ。

Neutral

"年が明ける"

The year dawns (the new year begins).

年が明けたら、すぐに連絡します。

Neutral

容易混淆

今年 vs 本年 (honnen)

They mean the same thing.

Kotoshi is for speaking and general use; Honnen is for formal writing and speeches.

本年もよろしく (Formal) vs 今年もよろしく (Standard).

今年 vs 今年度 (kon-nendo)

Both refer to 'this year'.

Kotoshi is Jan-Dec; Kon-nendo is usually April-March (fiscal/academic).

今年度の予算 (This fiscal year's budget).

今年 vs 今期 (konki)

Refers to a current period.

Konki is 'this term' or 'this season', not necessarily a full year.

今期のドラマ (This season's drama).

今年 vs 去年 (kyonen)

Learners mix up past/present/future words.

Kyonen is last year; Kotoshi is this year.

去年は学生でした。今年は社会人です。

今年 vs 来年 (rainen)

Learners mix up past/present/future words.

Rainen is next year; Kotoshi is this year.

今年は日本にいます。来年はアメリカに行きます。

句型

今年は [Adjective] です。

今年は寒いです。

今年、[Verb]ます。

今年、結婚します。

今年の [Noun] は [Adjective] です。

今年の冬は暖かいです。

今年は [Noun] があります。

今年はオリンピックがあります。

今年こそ [Verb]たいです。

今年こそ日本に行きたいです。

今年中に [Verb]なければなりません。

今年中にレポートを出さなければなりません。

今年は [Noun] にあたります。

今年は結婚十周年にあたります。

本年も [Keigo Phrase]。

本年もご指導のほどお願い申し上げます。

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Extremely frequent; ranked in the top 500 most common Japanese words.

常见错误

今年に日本に行きます。 → 今年日本に行きます。
You should not use the particle 'ni' with relative time words like 'kotoshi'.
今日は2024年です。 → 今年は2024年です。
Confusing 'kyou' (today) with 'kotoshi' (this year) because they both use the 'ima' kanji.
Reading '今年' as 'konnen' in a casual chat. → Reading it as 'kotoshi'.
'Konnen' is too formal for daily conversation and sounds unnatural.
今年夏は暑いです。 → 今年の夏は暑いです。
Missing the possessive particle 'no' when linking 'kotoshi' to another noun.
Using 'kotoshi' when you specifically mean the fiscal year in a formal report. → Using 'kon-nendo' or 'hon-nendo'.
In professional reporting, the fiscal year distinction is important.

小贴士

Drop the 'ni'

Always remember that 'kotoshi' behaves like 'today' (kyou). You don't say 'on today', so don't say 'kotoshi ni'. Just say 'kotoshi' followed by your sentence.

New Year Greetings

In January, use 'Kotoshi mo yoroshiku' with everyone you meet. It's the social glue that starts the year off right in Japan.

The 'No' Connection

Master the 'Kotoshi no [Noun]' pattern. It's the easiest way to talk about specific plans, like 'kotoshi no natsu' or 'kotoshi no tanjoubi'.

Kanji Balance

When writing '年', make sure the vertical line goes straight through the middle of the horizontal lines to keep the character stable.

Emphasis with 'Wa'

If you want to contrast this year with last year, use 'Kotoshi wa...'. It signals to the listener that this year is different.

Fiscal Year Awareness

In a Japanese office, 'kotoshi' might mean the fiscal year (ending in March). If a deadline is mentioned, double-check if it's calendar or fiscal.

Pitch Accent

Keep the 'ko' low and the 'toshi' high. This 'Low-High' pattern is standard for 'kotoshi' in Tokyo Japanese.

Using 'Koso'

Use 'Kotoshi koso' when sharing resolutions. It shows you are serious and determined, which is highly respected.

Contextual Reading

If you see '今年' in a very formal speech transcript, try reading it as 'konnen' in your head to match the tone, even if 'kotoshi' is also correct.

News Keywords

In news, 'kotoshi' is often followed by 'wa' or 'no'. Train your ears to catch these particles to understand the scope of the report.

记住它

记忆技巧

Imagine a 'COat' (ko) that you 'TOss' (to) on 'SHE' (shi) because it's THIS YEAR's fashion.

视觉联想

Picture a giant calendar with the current year written in bold, and a person pointing at it saying 'Now! Year!' (今 + 年).

Word Web

Time Calendar New Year Seasons Resolutions Schedule Age History

挑战

Try to use 'kotoshi' in three different sentences today: one about weather, one about a goal, and one about a past comparison.

词源

The word 'kotoshi' comes from the Old Japanese 'ko' (this) and 'toshi' (year/harvest). Historically, 'toshi' referred to the cycle of rice cultivation, meaning a 'year' was defined by the time between harvests.

原始含义： This harvest cycle / This current year.

Japonic

文化背景

Be mindful when discussing 'kotoshi' in business near March/April, as the 'year' might mean the fiscal year rather than the calendar year.

English speakers often say 'this year' as a prepositional phrase, but should remember 'kotoshi' is a solid noun in Japanese.

Kotoshi no Kanji (Kanji of the Year) - Annual event at Kiyomizu Temple. Kouhaku Uta Gassen - The famous New Year's Eve song contest reflecting on 'kotoshi'. Nengajo - New Year cards that always feature the word 'kotoshi'.

在生活中练习

真实语境

New Year Greetings

今年もよろしく
いい一年になりますように
今年の抱負
あけましておめでとう

Weather Reports

今年は暖冬です
今年の夏は暑い
例年より早い
今年一番の寒さ

Business Planning

今年の予算案
今年度の目標
今年中に完成させる
今年の売り上げ

School Life

今年卒業します
今年の文化祭
今年から大学生
今年のテスト

Fashion and Trends

今年の流行色
今年の新作
今年流行りの
今年のベストバイ

对话开场白

"今年の目標は何ですか？ (What is your goal for this year?)"

"今年の夏はどこかに行きますか？ (Are you going anywhere this summer?)"

"今年の漢字は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think the Kanji of the Year will be?)"

"今年は去年より忙しいですか？ (Are you busier this year than last year?)"

"今年一番楽しみなことは何ですか？ (What are you looking forward to most this year?)"

日记主题

今年、新しく始めたいことを書いてください。 (Write about something new you want to start this year.)

今年のこれまでの思い出を振り返ってください。 (Reflect on your memories of this year so far.)

今年中に達成したい目標を三つ挙げてください。 (List three goals you want to achieve by the end of this year.)

今年の天候について、どう感じますか？ (How do you feel about the weather this year?)

今年、自分自身がどう変わったか説明してください。 (Explain how you yourself have changed this year.)

常见问题

10 个问题

Generally, no. 'Kotoshi' is a relative time word. You say 'Kotoshi ikimasu' (I will go this year). Adding 'ni' is usually considered a mistake by learners, though it might appear in very specific emphatic or literary contexts. In 99% of cases, omit 'ni'.

The difference is purely formality. 'Kotoshi' is the standard word used in conversation. 'Honnen' is the formal equivalent used in business letters, official speeches, and New Year's cards. If you are a student, stick to 'kotoshi'.

Yes, it can, but only in very formal or written contexts. In spoken Japanese, if you read '今年' as 'konnen', people will understand you, but it will sound like you are reading a legal document out loud. Always say 'kotoshi'.

You say '今年中に' (kotoshi-juu ni). This is very common for deadlines. For example, '今年中にこの本を読みます' (I will read this book within this year).

Yes and no. While 'kotoshi' refers to the calendar year, in a school context, people often use 'kotoshi' to mean 'this school year'. However, the more precise term for the school/fiscal year is 'kon-nendo'.

Use the particle 'no': '今年の夏' (kotoshi no natsu). This pattern works for any season or event, like '今年のクリスマス' (this year's Christmas).

It means 'this year for sure' or 'this year of all years'. It is used when you have failed at something before and are determined to succeed this time. '今年こそダイエットする！' (This year for sure, I'll diet!)

It is a temporal noun that can function adverbially. This means it can be the subject of a sentence ('Kotoshi wa samui') or just a time marker ('Kotoshi ryokou shimasu').

It is written as 'ことし'.

There isn't a single opposite, but it is usually contrasted with '去年' (kyonen - last year) or '来年' (rainen - next year).