昨

• Reading: さく
• Romaji: saku
• Kanji breakdown: 昨 (saku/sa) — yesterday, previous
• Pronunciation: /sa.kɯ/

Meaning

Last; previous; yesterday. A prefix attached to time words to indicate the immediately preceding period.

A prefix used before time nouns to mean 'last' or 'previous.' Common combinations: 昨日 (yesterday, also read きのう), 昨年 (last year), 昨夜 (last night). More formal than alternatives like 去年 (last year). Primarily used in written and formal contexts.

Examples

1. 昨年の冬はとても寒かった。 Last winter was extremely cold.
2. 昨夜はよく眠れなかった。 I couldn't sleep well last night.
3. 昨日の会議で大事なことが決まった。 Something important was decided at yesterday's meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: written language, news, formal speech

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 昨 combines 日 (day, sun) and 乍 (phonetic element suggesting 'while' or 'during'). Originally meant 'yesterday' in Chinese, later extended as a prefix for any immediately preceding time period.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal