Meaning

Primary

Anniversary

Word Type

noun, suffix

Explanation

When you wrap around the entire circumference of the year you've come back around to the start of it. This is the anniversary.

This word is commonly used with numbers, like 10周年 (10th anniversary), or combined with other words, like 周年事業 (anniversary project).

Reading

しゅうねん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 十周年

    tenth anniversary

    百周年

    hundredth anniversary

    一周年

    first anniversary

Context Sentences

周年記念イベントの準備で忙しい。

We're busy preparing for the anniversary event.

トーフグは、来年で十周年になるので、コウイチは周年プロジェクトを予定しています。

The next year is Tofugu's 10th anniversary, so Koichi is planning an anniversary project.

明日は私たちが付き合ってから、十五周年目の記念日です。

Tomorrow marks the 15th anniversary since we started dating.

Kanji Composition