年
nián
Year
年 (nián) is the common word for “year” in Mandarin Chinese. It is used to count years, refer to specific years, and in many common time-related phrases.
What does 年 (nián) mean?
年 (nián) means “year” in English.
When to use it
Neutral and widely used. It functions as both a noun for “year” and a measure word when counting years.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “NYEN,” with a rising tone.
Other ways to say it
- 去年qùniánlast year
- 明年míngniánnext year
- 每年měiniánevery year
Examples
今年是2024年。
jīnnián shì 2024 nián.
This year is 2024.
我明年要去中国。
wǒ míngnián yào qù Zhōngguó.
I'm going to China next year.
他每年都回家过年。
tā měinián dōu huí jiā guònián.
He goes home to celebrate New Year every year.
Pro tip: When counting years, 年 acts as a measure word, so you say “三年” (sān nián) for “three years,” not “三个年.”
Related phrases
十一月 · November十二月 · December今年 · This year
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