定年

ていねん

retirement age

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Understanding 定年 (Retirement Age)

The word 定年 (ていねん) specifically refers to the legally or officially set retirement age in Japan, commonly around 60 years old. It is a formal term often used in workplace and legal contexts.

Usage in Sentences

定年 is typically used when discussing employment policies, retirement plans, or life after work. For example, companies often have a 定年制度 (retirement system) that employees must follow.

Common Collocations

  • 定年を迎える: to reach retirement age
  • 定年後: after retirement age
  • 定年制度: retirement system

These phrases are frequently used when talking about career transitions or pension planning.

Register and Nuance

This term is formal and mostly used in business, legal, or official contexts. It is not used casually in everyday conversation unless discussing retirement specifically.

Learner Tips

A common confusion is mixing 定年 with 退職 (たいしょく), which means retirement or resignation in general. 定年 refers to the age limit, while 退職 can happen at any time. Remember, 定年 is about the age, not the act of retiring itself.

Example Sentences

にほんのおおくのかいしゃでは、ていねんはろくじゅっさいにせっていされています。

In many Japanese companies, the retirement age is set at 60.

かれはていねんをむかえてからも、ボランティアかつどうをつづけている。

He continues volunteer activities even after reaching retirement age.

ていねんごのせいかつせっけいをはやめにかんがえることがたいせつです。

It is important to think about life planning after retirement early.