1.
era, epoch, the beginning of an era
The starting point of a calendar system or historical era. Often refers to the beginning of the Common Era (A.D.) or the founding of a civilization.
紀元前後の歴史を学ぶ。
Study history from around the beginning of the Common Era.
日本の皇紀は神武天皇即位を紀元とする。
Japan's imperial calendar takes the enthronement of Emperor Jimmu as its epoch.
キリスト教の暦では、イエスの誕生が紀元の基準になっている。
In the Christian calendar, the birth of Jesus serves as the reference point for the era.
2.
A.D., the year (of the Common Era)
Used with year numbers to indicate dates in the Western calendar system. Often contrasted with 紀元前 (B.C.).
紀元79年にポンペイが滅びた。
Pompeii was destroyed in 79 A.D.
ローマ帝国は紀元476年に滅亡した。
The Roman Empire fell in 476 A.D.
この遺跡は紀元3世紀ごろのものと推定されている。
These ruins are estimated to date from around the 3rd century A.D.
USAGE:
紀元 by itself typically refers to the Common Era (A.D.). To specify B.C., use 紀元前. In academic and historical writing, 紀元 may be abbreviated as 紀元後 (A.D.) to contrast with 紀元前 (B.C.).
HOMOPHONES:
Not to be confused with 期限 (deadline, time limit) or 機嫌 (mood, humor).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 紀元前: B.C., before the Common Era
- 紀元後: A.D., after the Common Era
- 紀元○年: year ○ A.D.
- 皇紀: Japanese imperial era dating