1.
this year; the current year
A formal way to say 'this year.' Used in official documents, business correspondence, speeches, and formal greetings.
A formal equivalent of 今年 (this year). Used exclusively in formal writing and speech, such as business letters, official reports, New Year's greetings, and public announcements.
Common collocations
- 本年もよろしくお願いいたします: standard New Year greeting in business
- 本年度: this fiscal/academic year
- 本年中: during this year
- 本年は: as for this year (opening phrase in speeches)
Similar words
- 今年: this year — the standard, everyday word; used in all registers
- 昨年: last year — the formal equivalent of 去年
- 来年: next year — used in both formal and casual registers
Register
Highly formal. Using 本年 in casual conversation would sound stiff and unnatural. In everyday speech, always use 今年 instead.