년 (nyeon)
년 (nyeon) is a time unit meaning 'year', commonly used in daily life and official documents.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
년 is a unit of time meaning 'year', representing the time Earth takes to orbit the sun once. Used for dates, age, and durations.
Nuances
When to use
dates, duration, age
In context
년 is a noun used with numbers to indicate years or durations, e.g., 2024년, 3년. Though it can express age, '살' is more natural for that purpose in daily speech.
2024년은 매우 중요한 해입니다.
2024nyeon-eun mae-u jung-yo-han hae-ip-ni-da., 2024nyeon eun mae u jung yo han hae ip ni da.
'년' correctly indicates the year.
나는 10년 동안 한국어를 공부했어요.
na-neun 10nyeon dong-an han-guk-eo-reul gong-bu-haess-eo-yo., na neun 10nyeon dong an han guk eo reul gong bu haess eo yo.
'년' is correctly used to indicate duration.
내 나이는 25년이에요.
nae na-i-neun 25nyeon-i-e-yo., nae na i neun 25nyeon i e yo.
For age, '살' should be used, not '년'.
그는 3년 살이에요.
geu-neun 3nyeon sal-i-e-yo., geu neun 3nyeon sal i e yo.
'3년 살' is incorrect for age expression.
작년에는 여행을 많이 갔어요.
jak-nyeon-e-neun yeo-haeng-eul man-i gass-eo-yo., jak nyeon e neun yeo haeng eul man i gass eo yo.
'작년' means last year and includes '년'.
그녀는 5년 후에 결혼할 거예요.
geu-nyeo-neun 5nyeon hu-e gyeol-hon-hal geo-ye-yo., geu nyeo neun 5nyeon hu e gyeol hon hal geo ye yo.
'년' is properly used to indicate future duration.
What is the basic meaning of '년'?
Which is the most natural way to express age?
Which sentence uses '년' correctly?
