1.
era name, Japanese imperial era designation
The name given to a period of years in the Japanese calendar system, traditionally changing with each new emperor's reign. Used in official documents, daily life, and historical contexts.
今の元号は令和だ。
The current era name is Reiwa.
新しい元号が発表された。
The new era name was announced.
書類には西暦ではなく元号で年を書くことが多い。
On documents, the year is often written using the era name rather than the Western calendar.
RECENT ERA NAMES:
- 令和 (2019–): current era
- 平成 (1989–2019)
- 昭和 (1926–1989)
- 大正 (1912–1926)
- 明治 (1868–1912)
USAGE NOTES:
Japanese official documents such as government forms, driver's licenses, and certificates typically use 元号 rather than the Western calendar (西暦). In everyday conversation, both systems are used.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 年号: era name (synonym, slightly more historical nuance)
- 西暦: Western calendar, Common Era year