1.
one's later years; last years of life; twilight years
The final period of a person's life, especially the years leading up to old age and death. Often used when discussing a notable person's later career or final accomplishments.
晩年は故郷で過ごした。
He spent his later years in his hometown.
その画家の晩年の作品が展示されている。
The painter's late-period works are on display.
祖父は晩年になって書道を始め、毎日筆を握っていた。
In his later years my grandfather took up calligraphy and held a brush every day.
Refers specifically to the last stage of a life, not just "old age" in general. Usually used about someone already deceased or about the final phase of a long career.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 晩年を過ごす: to spend one's later years
- 晩年の作品: late-period work
- 幸せな晩年: a happy old age
- 晩年に至って: in one's final years
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 老後: post-retirement years — the time after leaving work; used about the living, especially about one's own future
- 余生: the rest of one's life — what remains after a major life event, with a hint of "leftover" time