last year
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- 1 last year、the previous year
Refers to the calendar year immediately before the present year or another contextually established year.
last year、the previous year
A time expression for the preceding calendar year: normally “last year,” or “the previous year” relative to a past reference point.
Learning notes
Explanation
This expression combines ปี, “year,” with ที่แล้ว, which marks something as previous or past. Together they mean the year immediately before a given reference year. Although it is structurally a noun phrase, it commonly functions as a time expression in a sentence. It can appear at the beginning or end of a clause. It usually means “last year” relative to the time of speaking. In a narrative with a past reference point, it can instead mean “the previous year.” It is neutral and natural in both everyday speech and general writing.
Usage
Used when discussing events from last year, such as travel, work, study, or moving. It is also common when comparing this year’s sales, weather, results, or other figures with those of the previous year. Frequent patterns include เมื่อปีที่แล้ว “last year,” ตั้งแต่ปีที่แล้ว “since last year,” and กว่าปีที่แล้ว “than last year.”
Caution
It normally refers to the preceding calendar year, not the twelve-month period leading up to today. For the latter, use an expression such as ในช่วงหนึ่งปีที่ผ่านมา, “during the past year.” “The year before last” is เมื่อสองปีก่อน, while “next year” is ปีหน้า.