1.
year-end; end of the year
The period at the end of the calendar year, especially December. Often used in commercial and seasonal contexts.
歳末セールが始まった。
The year-end sale has started.
歳末は買い物客で街が賑わう。
At year-end, the streets bustle with shoppers.
歳末助け合い運動に寄付をした。
I donated to the year-end charity drive.
USAGE:
A formal word for the year-end period, commonly seen in advertising, news, and seasonal greetings. More formal than 年末.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 歳末セール (year-end sale)
- 歳末大売出し (year-end grand sale)
- 歳末助け合い (year-end mutual aid / charity drive)
DISTINCTION:
歳末 is more formal and commercial than 年末, which is the everyday word for "year-end." 歳末 is especially common in retail and charitable contexts.