Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Year" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "year", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
再来年
さらいねん (sarainen)
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 再来年 and おととし.
In Japanese, 再来年 (さらいねん (sarainen)) is typically associated with "the year after next" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the year two years after the current year. Used for future plans or predictions..
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 "再来年"
再来年、家を建てたいです。
I want to build a house the year after next.
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: " ＿＿＿ 、家を建てたいです。" (Meaning: "I want to build a house the year after next.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "再来年" fits here because it means "the year after next" in the context of: "I want to build a house the year after next.". "おととし" represents "the year before last".