What is the difference between "ことし" and "今年"?

"ことし" means "this year" (N5), whereas "今年" represents "this year" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "ことし (kotoshi)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

ことし (kotoshi)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

ことし (kotoshi)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "ことし (kotoshi)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

ことし (Level: N5): Translates to "this year" and is used when Refers to the current year. Often used as a noun indicating a specific time..
今年 (Level: N5): Maps to "this year" and carries the nuance of Common term for the current year. Used frequently in conversations and writing..

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "ことし"

ことしは日本へ行きます。

I will go to Japan this year.

Bilingual Context for "今年"

今年は日本に行きます。

I will go to Japan this year.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: " ＿＿＿は日本へ行きます。" (Meaning: "I will go to Japan this year.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "ことし" is used for "this year" in the context: "I will go to Japan this year.".