例年

• Reading: れいねん
• Romaji: reinen
• Kanji breakdown: 例 (rei) — example, custom, precedent; 年 (nen) — year
• Pronunciation: /ɾeː.neɴ/

Meaning

Average year; ordinary year; every year as usual. Refers to what is typical or customary year after year.

A noun and adverb used to describe what happens in a normal or average year, serving as a baseline for comparison. Common patterns: 例年通り (as usual every year), 例年より早い (earlier than usual). Frequently used in weather reports, seasonal events, and statistics: 例年の気温 (average yearly temperature). More formal and data-oriented than 毎年 (mainen, every year).

Examples

1. 今年の桜は例年より一週間早く咲いた。 This year the cherry blossoms bloomed a week earlier than usual.
2. 例年通り、夏祭りは八月に開催される。 As usual every year, the summer festival will be held in August.
3. 例年この時期は雨が多い。 This time of year typically sees a lot of rain.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, seasonal events, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 例 (rei, example/custom) + 年 (nen, year). Literally 'example year' — a year taken as the standard or norm.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal