1.
year-end; end of the year
The closing period of the year, typically referring to December and especially the last few weeks. Carries a sense of busyness and urgency as the year draws to a close.
Usage
年の瀬 evokes the feeling of time rushing forward like a river current (瀬 means "rapids" or "shallows"). It conveys the busyness and emotional weight of the year-end period.
Common collocations
- 年の瀬が迫る (the year-end approaches)
- 年の瀬も押し迫る (the year-end is closing in)
- 年の瀬を迎える (to reach the year-end)
Cultural note
The Japanese year-end is marked by 大掃除 (thorough house cleaning), 年賀状 (New Year's cards), and preparations for 正月 (New Year).