The Meaning of ototoshi [一昨年] In Japanese

一昨年
おととし
Romaji: ototoshi N5

What does 一昨年 mean?

Translation and Meaning

the year before last, two years ago

Definition

What does 一昨年 mean? It means the year before last. It denotes the calendar year two years prior to the current year, used to refer to past timelines in both formal and casual contexts.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • the year two years prior to the current year
  • the year before last in a timeline or historical reference

Composition

  • 一 (one, ichi) — 1
  • 昨 (previous, saku) — previous; formerly
  • 年 (year, nen) — year
  • Combined meaning: the year before the current year (the year two years ago)

Usage

Used in both formal and everyday Japanese when referring to a time two years prior; common in timelines, reports, storytelling, and when comparing past events. Examples: 一昨年のデータを参照する; 一昨年に起きた出来事を振り返る.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: two taps on a clock labeled ototoshi push you back to the year before last.

Variations

  • 前年 (ぜんねん, zen-nen) — the previous year
  • 昨年 (さくねん, sakunen) — last year

Example Phrases

  • 一昨年の写真を見返して、懐かしくなった。
    ototoshi no shashin o mikaeshite, natsukashiku natta.
    I looked back at photos from the year before last and felt nostalgic.
    Lista:
    • 一昨年 (ototoshi) – the year before last
    • の (no) – of
    • 写真 (shashin) – photo(s)
    • を (wo) – object marker
    • 見返して (mikaeshite) – look back at
    • 懐かしく (natsukashiku) – nostalgic
    • なった (natta) – became
    「一昨年」 means the year before last; in this sentence it combines with の to modify 写真 as ‘the photos from the year before last.’
一昨年