1.
era name; name of an imperial era
A name assigned to a period of years in the Japanese calendar system, traditionally changing with each new emperor. Examples include 令和 (Reiwa), 平成 (Heisei), and 昭和 (Shōwa).
今の年号は令和です。
The current era name is Reiwa.
新しい年号が発表されたとき、日本中が注目した。
When the new era name was announced, all of Japan paid attention.
日本では西暦と年号の両方が使われていて、公的な書類には年号が多い。
In Japan both the Western calendar and era names are used, and official documents often use the era name.
A fundamental concept in Japanese culture and daily life. Government documents, official forms, and many business documents use the 年号 system alongside or instead of the Western calendar (西暦). Learners in Japan will encounter 年号 on everything from insurance forms to driver's licenses.
RECENT ERA NAMES:
- 令和 (2019-present)
- 平成 (1989-2019)
- 昭和 (1926-1989)
- 大正 (1912-1926)
- 明治 (1868-1912)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 年号が変わる: for the era name to change
- 年号を使う: to use the era name system
- 新年号: new era name
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 元号: era name — synonymous; 元号 is the more formal/official term, while 年号 is more commonly used in daily conversation
- 西暦: Western calendar year — the Gregorian calendar system, the alternative to 年号
- 和暦: Japanese calendar — the calendar system based on 年号