Translation and Meaning of: 一昨年 - ototoshi

If you are studying Japanese, you may have already come across the word 一昨年 (おととし). It might seem complicated at first glance, but it's simpler than you think. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and usage in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will see how to easily memorize it and some curiosities that make it unique in the language.

It means "the year before last."

The word 一昨年 (おととし) means "the year before last" or "two years ago." It is used to refer to the year prior to the previous one, unlike 去年 (きょねん), which means "last year." If today is 2023, おととし would be 2021. This distinction is essential to avoid confusion in conversations and formal texts.

In Japan, おととし is a common expression in daily life, especially in contexts that require temporal precision. For example, when talking about events that happened two years ago, such as trips or job changes. Although it is not as frequent as 去年, its use is indispensable in certain situations.

Origin and writing of 一昨年

The composition of 一昨年 is interesting. The kanji 一 (いち) means "one," while 昨 (さく) refers to "last" and 年 (ねん) is "year." Together, they convey the idea of "one year before the last," meaning the year before last. The reading おととし, however, does not derive directly from the kanji, being an example of kun'yomi (Japanese reading).

It is worth noting that おととし can also be written only in hiragana, especially in informal texts. This flexibility makes it easier to learn, as it is not necessary to memorize the kanji immediately. For students, focusing on pronunciation first can be an effective strategy.

How to memorize おととし?

A useful tip is to associate おととし with the repetitive sound, which resembles something distant in time. Repeating the word out loud several times helps to fix it in memory. Another technique is to use it in simple sentences, like "おととし日本に行きました" (I went to Japan two years ago), creating practical connections.

Furthermore, it is worth contrasting it with similar , such as 去年 (last year) and 今年 (this year). This exercise not only reinforces the meaning of おととし but also expands temporal vocabulary. Writing these words on flashcards or using apps like Anki can also be beneficial.

Curiosities about the use of おととし

In Japan, おととし is more common in conversations than in formal texts, where expressions like "2年前" (two years ago) may be preferred. This difference reflects the richness of the Japanese language, which adapts vocabulary according to context. In animes and dramas, for example, the word frequently appears in everyday dialogues.

A little-known fact is that おととし has a somewhat nostalgic tone, often used to reminisce about significant events. Whether it's a wedding, graduation, or a move, it carries an emotional weight that goes beyond mere time counting. Recognizing these details enriches language learning.