Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a fiscal year is most commonly expressed as 会計年度 (kaikei nendo) in formal contexts, but in everyday business and government settings, 年度 (nendo) is the standard term. The Japanese fiscal year typically runs from April 1 to March 31, which is important for understanding references to years in financial and administrative contexts.
The standard way to refer to a fiscal year in business, government, and everyday contexts.
This is the most common and versatile term for 'fiscal year' or 'academic year'. It is used in a wide range of contexts, from corporate financial reports to school calendars. It can be combined with a specific year, e.g., 2024年度 (2024 fiscal year).
2024年度の予算を承認しました。
We approved the budget for fiscal year 2024.
来年度の計画を立てています。
We are making plans for the next fiscal year.
A more formal term explicitly meaning 'accounting year' or 'fiscal year'. It is often used in legal, official, or accounting documents. In everyday speech, 年度 is more common.
当社の会計年度は4月1日から翌年3月31日までです。
Our company's fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.
Specifically refers to a 'business year' or 'financial year' for a company. It is used in corporate contexts, particularly in legal and tax documents. Less common in general conversation.
事業年度の変更を届け出ました。
We notified the change of our business year.
How to say 'fiscal year XXXX' or 'FYXXXX' in Japanese.
Simply attach 年度 to the year. Note that the Japanese fiscal year starts in April, so FY2024 in Japan typically means April 2024 to March 2025. This pattern is used for both fiscal and academic years.
2023年度の売上は過去最高でした。
Sales for fiscal year 2023 were the highest ever.
令和5年度の税制改正について
Regarding the tax reform for fiscal year Reiwa 5
Clarifying the difference between fiscal year and calendar year, which is important in Japanese business.
In Japanese, 年度 (nendo) refers to a fiscal or academic year starting in April, while 年 (nen) refers to a calendar year (January to December). Be careful not to confuse them, especially when discussing dates or financial data.
2023年（暦年）の売上と2023年度の売上は異なります。
Sales for calendar year 2023 and fiscal year 2023 are different.
年度 (nendo) means fiscal or academic year (April–March), while 年 (nen) means calendar year (January–December). Using the wrong one can cause misunderstandings in business settings.
2023年の予算 → calendar year budget
2023年の予算 → calendar year budget
2023年度の予算 → fiscal year 2023 budget
2023年度の予算 → fiscal year 2023 budget
In Japan, the fiscal year for most companies and the government runs from April 1 to March 31. When translating 'fiscal year 2024', it usually corresponds to 2024年度 (April 2024 – March 2025). Be aware of this when dealing with dates or financial reports.