につけ・
につけ・につけて means that whenever a certain cue or occasion occurs, it naturally brings the same memory, feeling, thought, or judgment.
A cue that naturally brings something to mind
The first part gives a recurring cue. The second part describes the thought, emotion, memory, or judgment that arises naturally in response. The connection often feels reflective rather than merely chronological.
Typical reflective uses
Both variants have the same basic meaning here; there is no dependable meaning difference that learners need to assign to them.
この古い写真を見るにつけ、学生時代を懐かしく思い出す。
Whenever I look at this old photograph, I fondly remember my student days.
Analyze彼の誠実な態度に触れるにつけて、この人なら信頼できると感じる。
Whenever I encounter his sincere manner, I feel that he is someone I can trust.
Analyze何かにつけて、亡き祖母の言葉を思い出す。
At every opportunity, I remember the words of my late grandmother.
AnalyzeNatural reaction versus general recurrence
につけ characteristically links a cue to a naturally arising response. たびに is broader and can simply mean that something happens on every occasion, including a deliberate action.
図書館へ行くたびに、新刊の棚を確認する。
Every time I go to the library, I check the new-books shelf.
AnalyzeChecking the shelf is a chosen routine, so the general recurrence expression is natural.
The separate paired pattern
When the construction is repeated around two alternatives or extremes, it forms a separate paired pattern meaning roughly “whether one or the other.” This page focuses instead on one recurring cue followed by its reaction.
嬉しいにつけ悲しいにつけ、故郷の母の顔が浮かぶ。
Whether I am happy or sad, the face of my mother back home comes to mind.
AnalyzeThis repeats the construction to pair two emotional extremes.
More examples
この曲を耳にするにつけ、初めて東京に来た日のことがよみがえる。
Whenever I hear this song, memories of the day I first came to Tokyo return.
Analyze子どもたちの成長を見るにつけて、時間の流れの速さに驚かされる。
Whenever I see the children growing, I am struck by how quickly time passes.
Analyze恩師の手紙を読み返すにつけて、多くの人に支えられてきたのだと思う。
Whenever I reread my former teacher's letters, I realize how many people have supported me.
Analyze災害の記録を読むにつけ、備えの大切さを改めて感じる。
Whenever I read records of disasters, I am reminded anew of the importance of being prepared.
Analyze季節の移ろいを感じるにつけ、故郷の景色が懐かしく思われる。
Whenever I sense the changing seasons, I find myself longing for the scenery of my hometown.
Analyze彼の苦労を知るにつけて、以前の自分の判断を恥ずかしく思う。
The more often I learn of his hardships, the more ashamed I feel of my earlier judgment.
Analyze