毎年

• Reading: まいとし
• Romaji: maitoshi
• Kanji breakdown: 毎 (mai) — every, each; 年 (toshi/nen) — year
• Pronunciation: /ma.i.to.ɕi/

Meaning

Every year; yearly; annually. Describes something that happens each year.

Combines 毎 (every) and 年 (year). Read as まいとし (common) or まいねん (also standard). Used for annual events, traditions, and recurring activities. Japanese culture is rich in yearly events — 毎年 naturally pairs with festivals, seasons, and holidays.

Examples

1. 毎年、お正月に実家に帰ります。 I go back to my parents' house for New Year's every year.
2. 毎年夏に海へ行きます。 I go to the beach every summer.
3. 桜は毎年三月に咲きます。 The cherry blossoms bloom every year in March.

Usage Guide

Context: traditions, annual events, seasonal activities

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A Sino-Japanese compound of 毎 (mai, every) and 年 (toshi/nen, year). 年 originally depicted a person carrying grain, symbolising the harvest cycle — one year.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal