Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Year" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "year", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一昨年
おととし (ototoshi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
おととし
おととし (ototoshi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "year" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一昨年 and おととし.
In Japanese, 一昨年 (おととし (ototoshi)) is typically associated with "the year before last" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the year two years prior to the current year. It's a specific past time expression..
On the other hand, おととし (おととし (ototoshi)) maps to "the year before last" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to two years ago. Similar to 一昨年. A literal translation of "year" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一昨年"
一昨年、大学を卒業しました。
I graduated from university the year before last.
Bilingual Context for "おととし"
おととし、日本へ旅行に行きました。
I traveled to Japan the year before last.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、大学を卒業しました。" (Meaning: "I graduated from university the year before last.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一昨年" fits here because it means "the year before last" in the context of: "I graduated from university the year before last.". "おととし" represents "the year before last".