往年

• Pinyin: wǎng nián
• Hanzi breakdown: 往 = 彳 (step) + 主 (master); 年 = pictograph of a person carrying grain, representing harvest cycles

Meaning

Previous years; former years. Refers to years that have passed, often in comparison to the present.

Used to discuss patterns, comparisons, or changes over time. Often appears in contexts like weather reports, economic analyses, or personal recollections. Contrasts with 今年 (this year) and 来年 (next year). Common in both spoken and written Chinese.

Examples

1. 往年这个时候早就下雪了，今年气候真是反常。 In previous years, it would have snowed by this time; the weather this year is really abnormal.
2. 跟往年相比，今年的销售额增长了百分之二十。 Compared to previous years, this year's sales increased by twenty percent.
3. 往年我们都是在奶奶家过春节，今年打算出去旅游。 In past years we always spent Spring Festival at grandma's house, but this year we're planning to travel.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, reports, everyday

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 往年的经验告诉我们要早做准备。(Past years' experience tells us to prepare early.)
• 往年这里的游客没这么多。(In previous years, there weren't this many tourists here.)

Don't Say

• 往年的时候 — 直接说'往年'就够了，不需要加'的时候'

Origin & History

Compound of 往 (past, previous) + 年 (year). Literally 'years gone by.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal