Translation guide
How to express that something happens frequently, is widely done, or is generally true in Japanese.
よくそこに行きます。
I often go there.
これは一般的に知られている。
This is commonly known.
Expressing that an action or event occurs often or habitually.
The most common and versatile adverb for 'often' or 'frequently'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
I often watch movies.
彼はよく遅刻する。
He is often late.
A slightly more formal or literary way to say 'often'. Common in writing and formal speech.
この問題はしばしば議論される。
This issue is often discussed.
Implies repeated occurrences, sometimes with a nuance of 'time and again'. Slightly formal.
たびたびご迷惑をおかけしてすみません。
I'm sorry for causing you trouble so often.
Expressing that something is common, widespread, or generally true among people or in society.
Means 'generally' or 'commonly'. Used to state a widely accepted fact or tendency.
一般的に、日本人は米をよく食べる。
Generally, Japanese people eat rice often.
この言葉は一般的に使われている。
This word is commonly used.
Means 'normally' or 'usually', implying what is common or standard. Casual to neutral.
普通は電車で行きます。
I usually go by train.
Means 'widely', often used with verbs like 'used', 'known', 'accepted'.
この技術は広く使われている。
This technology is widely used.
Can also mean 'commonly' in the sense of 'often seen/heard'. Overlaps with frequency meaning.
この表現はよく使われる。
This expression is commonly used.
Expressing that something is done or held in common by multiple parties.
Means 'in common' or 'shared'. Used when multiple entities share a characteristic or action.
これらの問題は共通して見られる。
These problems are commonly seen.
Means 'jointly' or 'together'. Used for collaborative actions.
彼らは共同で事業を行っている。
They are running a business jointly.
よく is the most common and neutral way to say 'often'. しばしば is more formal and often used in writing. たびたび implies repeated instances and can carry a nuance of apology or annoyance in some contexts.
一般に means 'generally' in a societal sense, not for personal frequency. For 'I commonly do X', use よく or 普通は.