Translation guide
The English word 'biennial' can refer to events happening every two years, or to plants that complete their life cycle in two years. This guide focuses on the event meaning, which is more common for learners.
Describing an event, meeting, festival, etc. that occurs once every two years.
Means 'every other year'. Commonly used for events, payments, etc. Can be used as a noun or with の.
This conference is held biennially.
Literally 'once every two years'. Very common and natural in conversation.
This festival takes place once every two years.
Means 'every two years'. Slightly more casual than 2年に1度.
Please get a biennial health checkup.
Specifically means 'held biennially'. Often used in formal contexts like event announcements.
This exhibition is a biennial event.
Loanword from Italian 'biennale', used specifically for large-scale international art exhibitions held every two years.
The Venice Biennale is famous.
Referring to a plant that germinates, grows, and dies over two growing seasons.
隔年 is more formal and often used in written language or official names. 2年に1度 is the most natural way to say 'once every two years' in everyday conversation. 2年ごと is similar but can sometimes imply a regular cycle rather than a single occurrence.
English 'biennial' means every two years, while 'biannual' means twice a year. In Japanese, 隔年 means every two years, and 年2回 means twice a year. Be careful not to mix them up.
Biennials overwinter and bloom the following year.