来年

• Reading: らいねん
• Romaji: rainen
• Kanji breakdown: 来 (rai/ku) — come, next; 年 (nen/toshi) — year
• Pronunciation: /ɾai.neɴ/

Meaning

Next year. Refers to the calendar year after the current one.

Combines 来 (coming) and 年 (year). Used to discuss future plans, goals, and expectations for the following year. Naturally pairs with future tense expressions. Part of the yearly trio: 去年 (last year), 今年 (this year), 来年 (next year).

Examples

1. 来年、大学に入りたいです。 I want to get into college next year.
2. 来年の春に結婚します。 I'm getting married next spring.
3. 来年はもっと旅行したいです。 I want to travel more next year.

Usage Guide

Context: planning, goals, daily conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A Sino-Japanese compound of 来 (rai, coming/next) and 年 (nen, year). The same 来 prefix is found in 来月 (next month) and 来週 (next week).

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal