Japanese word

年始

Pronunciation

Romajinenshi

Meaning

  • nounnew year

Example

年始に神社へ行きます。nen shi ni jin ja e i ki ma su

I go to a shrine at New Year.

Illustration for 年始 (new year)

More examples

年始の予定を家族と相談しました。nen shi no yo tei o ka zoku to sō dan shi ma shi ta

I discussed my plans for the beginning of the year with my family.

Core concept

Marks the opening period of a new calendar year, especially in references to activities or events at that time.

Common phrases

  • 年始の挨拶nen shi no ai satsu

    New Year's greetings

Similar words

年初nensho: The beginning of a calendar year, often used in formal or written language.
年明けtoshiake: The time just after a new year begins, with emphasis on the transition into it.
正月shōgatsu: The New Year period, often associated with the first month and its traditional events.
年頭nentō: The beginning of a calendar year, especially as a time for setting goals or making announcements.

Definition in Japanese

一年の初めの時期。ichi nen no haji me no ji ki

Word origin

年始 (nenshi) combines 年 (nen, "year") and 始 (shi, "beginning"), forming a noun for the beginning of the year.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 年始 (nenshi) often describes the early part of the year rather than New Year's Day alone, so it covers plans, greetings, and other events over several days.

Other meanings

  • beginning of the yearnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word