Word Detail

The word 平成 (へいせい, *Heisei*) refers to the era in Japanese history corresponding to the reign of Emperor Akihito. This period spanned from January 8, 1989, to April 30, 2019. It is essentially the "name" given to that specific time frame, much like the Gregorian calendar refers to a period of time. It’s important to note that the Japanese calendar is still used alongside the Western calendar, especially for official documents and in more formal contexts. The meaning of the kanji, 平成, is derived from two Chinese characters. 平 (*hei*) means "peace" or "calm" and 成 (*sei*) means "to complete" or "to achieve". Thus, the era's name implies "achieving peace" or "peace established". It is a historical period of great economic and technological advances for Japan, but also marked by economic stagnation and natural disasters, such as the Great East Japan Earthquake. It is used in daily life in Japan for various occasions, like writing the date on documents.

⚫︎ 平成時代 Translation: Heisei era ⚫︎ 平成生まれ Translation: Born in the Heisei era ⚫︎ 平成三十一年 Translation: Year 31 of Heisei (2019)

平成 is used primarily to refer to the period between 1989 and 2019. ⚫︎It is most commonly used when referring to dates within that period. Instead of using the Western calendar year (e.g., 1995), you would use the Heisei year (e.g., Heisei 7 for 1995). ⚫︎When mentioning the "Heisei era" in general, you would use 平成時代. ⚫︎平成 is used for any official document and in more formal situations. ⚫︎When someone was born in that era, you might say "平成生まれ" (born in the Heisei era).

⚫︎The word 平成 is written in kanji. ⚫︎The reading is written in hiragana as へいせい. ⚫︎There is no variation in the okurigana because there isn’t any.

⚫︎ While there aren't direct synonyms for 平成 as it’s a proper noun representing a specific time period, you might use phrases like: ⚫︎ 昭和の次 (*Shōwa no tsugi*): "After the Shōwa era" (referencing the previous era). ⚫︎ 令和の前 (*Reiwa no mae*): "Before the Reiwa era" (referencing the following era).

⚫︎The direct antonyms of 平成 are other Japanese imperial eras. ⚫︎ 昭和（*Shōwa*): The era that preceded 平成, from 1926 to 1989. ⚫︎ 令和（*Reiwa*): The era that followed 平成, starting in 2019.

私の生まれた年は平成元年でした。 ・Translation: The year I was born was the first year of Heisei. ・Explanation: This sentence describes that someone was born in 1989.

平成の終わりは少し寂しかった。 ・Translation: The end of the Heisei era was a little sad. ・Explanation: This sentence expresses a feeling about the end of the Heisei era.

The name 平成 was chosen by the government after Emperor Akihito ascended the throne. It was selected from Chinese classical texts. The specific origin is from the Book of History, which contains the phrase 内平外成, meaning "peace within, completion without." It was intended to represent a period of peace both within Japan and in its relations with the world. The meaning of the kanji 平 means "peace" or "calm" and 成 means "to complete" or "to achieve".