元 号(げんごう)

げんごう

noun

era name

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(いま)の元号(げんごう)は令和(れいわ)だ。

The current era name is Reiwa.

新(あたら)しい元号(げんごう)が発表(はっぴょう)された。

The new era name was announced.

書類(しょるい)には西暦(せいれき)ではなく元号(げんごう)で年(とし)を書(か)くことが多(おお)い。

On documents, the year is often written using the era name rather than the Western calendar.

Recent era names

令和(れいわ) (2019–): current era
平成(へいせい) (1989–2019)
昭和(しょうわ) (1926–1989)
大正(たいしょう) (1912–1926)
明治(めいじ) (1868–1912)

Usage

Japanese official documents such as government forms, driver's licenses, and certificates typically use 元号(げんごう) rather than the Western calendar (西暦(せいれき)). In everyday conversation, both systems are used.

Similar words

年号(ねんごう): era name (synonym, slightly more historical nuance)
西暦(せいれき): Western calendar, Common Era year

Related Words

Compare: 西暦(せいれき) (Western calendar)

Compare: 年号(ねんごう) (era name)

Related: 天皇(てんのう) (Emperor (of Japan))

Related: 令和(れいわ) (Reiwa era (2019-present))

Related: 明治(めいじ) (Meiji era (1868-1912))

Compare: 和暦(われき) (Japanese era calendar)

general

Added 2026.3.12 10:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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