1.
years, the passage of time
A period of time spanning years, emphasizing the accumulation or passage of time. Often used to express how time has passed or accumulated.
長い年月が経った。
Many years have passed.
年月が経つにつれて、記憶は薄れていく。
As the years pass, memories fade.
この建物は年月を感じさせる。
This building shows its age.
年月を感じさせる = to show signs of age
何年もの年月をかけてこの作品を完成させた。
I spent many years completing this work.
年月が過ぎても二人の友情は変わらなかった。
Even after many years, their friendship didn't change.
USAGE: 年月 emphasizes the passage or accumulation of time over years. It has a somewhat literary or reflective tone.
READINGS:
- 年月 - kun'yomi, more common in everyday speech
- 年月 - on'yomi, more formal/literary
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 年月が経つ (years pass)
- 長い年月 (many years)
- 年月を経て (over the years)
- 年月を重ねる (to accumulate years)
- 年月を感じる (to feel the passage of time)
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 月日 (days and months, time)
- 歳月 (years, time - literary)
- 時が経つ (time passes)
Related Words
Related:
月日 (days and months)