Quick answer
年 is the kanji for "Year". A common reading is とし (toshi). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Year
Learn 年 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
6 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
Grain stalks bending under the weight of harvest time — each year, crops ripen and bow down. The top strokes are the heavy grain, the bottom is the calendar year.
ねん (nen) sounds like "Nene" — a nun who's spent many years in the temple.
Example Sentences
今年で二十歳になります。
ことしでにじゅっさいになります。
I'm turning 20 years old this year.
去年、フランスへ行きました。
きょねん、ふらんすへいきました。
I went to France last year.
Vocabulary using 年
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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