先年(せんねん)

せんねん
noun
some years ago; a few years back
formaltime-general
1. some years ago; a few years back; in previous years
An indefinite past time several years before now — more remote than 去年(きょねん) (last year) but typically within recent memory. Has a slightly formal or literary tone.
先年(せんねん)亡(な)くなった祖父(そふ)を思(おも)い出(だ)す。
I think of my grandfather, who passed away some years ago.
先年(せんねん)の震災(しんさい)の被害(ひがい)はまだ残(のこ)っている。
The damage from the earthquake disaster a few years back still remains.
先年(せんねん)出版(しゅっぱん)された彼(かれ)の著書(ちょしょ)が再評価(さいひょうか)されている。
His book, published a few years ago, is being reevaluated.

先(せん) (previous, earlier) + 年(ねん) (year). Used more in writing and formal speech than in casual conversation.

Similar words

  • 去年(きょねん): last year — specifically the year before this one
  • 一昨年(おととし): the year before last — exactly two years ago
  • 数年前(すうねんまえ): a few years ago — neutral, common in conversation
  • 往年(おうねん): bygone years, days of yore — more literary, evokes nostalgia

Register: Sounds slightly stiff or written; in casual speech 数年前(すうねんまえ) or 'この前(まえ)' is more natural.

Related Words

Compare: 去年(きょねん) (last year)
Related: 先月(せんげつ) (last month)
Related: 先週(せんしゅう) (last week)
general
Added 2026.5.15 13:12 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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