first year; last year
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
the first year; initial year
Often used to emphasize the foundational importance of the initial year in a multi-year period or project.
When looking at three years, look at the first year; when looking at the first year, look at the present.
This is the first year of the orchard planting, so the yield won't be too high yet.
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The investment in the first year often determines subsequent development.
noun
last year; the previous year
Refers to the year immediately preceding the current year. Commonly used in northern Chinese dialects but widely understood in standard Mandarin.
We spent last year's Spring Festival at our hometown.
He came back once last year, but hasn't returned this year.
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Last winter was especially cold, but it's much warmer this year.
These are the trees planted last year, and they have already grown taller.