Translation guide
The English word 'every' is used to refer to all members of a group individually. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 毎 (まい) attached to time words, but other patterns exist depending on what is being described. This guide covers the main ways to express 'every' in natural Japanese.
Expressing that something happens each day, week, month, etc.
The prefix 毎 (まい) attaches directly to many time nouns to mean 'every ~'. This is the most common and natural way to express frequency.
I exercise every day.
There is a meeting every Friday.
I go on a trip every year.
This pattern emphasizes the interval, meaning 'every ~' or 'at intervals of ~'. It can be used with specific durations.
Please take the medicine every three hours.
Referring to each individual item or person in a set.
This pattern means 'every N' or 'any N' and emphasizes that the statement applies to all members without exception. It is very common and natural.
Expressing that something occurs at regular intervals of a certain number.
This is the standard way to say 'every X units'. The counter must match the noun being counted.
The train comes every 10 minutes.
Expressing that something happens on each occasion.
This pattern means 'every time I do ~' or 'whenever ~'. It is very common and natural.
Every time I see her, my heart races.
Emphasizing that no member of a group is excluded.
毎〜 is the default for common time expressions (毎日, 毎週, etc.). 〜ごとに emphasizes the interval and is used with specific numbers or less common time units (3時間ごとに, 1年ごとに). For 'every other day', use 1日おきに rather than 毎〜.
I read the newspaper every day.
1週間ごとにレポートを提出します。
I submit a report every week.
Every student passed the exam.
Every country has its own culture.
This is a more formal or literary way to say 'every possible' or 'all kinds of'. It is often used in written language.
I tried every possible means.
We need to consider every possibility.
Literally 'all N', this can often translate to 'every N' when the focus is on the totality. It is slightly more formal than どの〜も.
Every person is equal.
Every room has air conditioning.
There is an illustration every two pages.
This means 'every other ~' or 'at intervals of ~', but note that it can be ambiguous: 1日おきに can mean 'every other day' or 'every two days'. Use with care.
Can be ambiguous; ごとに is clearer for simple frequency.
I go to the gym every other day.
Every time I hear this song, I remember my hometown.
This conditional form can mean 'whenever' or 'every time' for habitual or natural consequences.
Every spring, the cherry blossoms bloom.
Literally 'one person, one person', this emphasizes each individual. It can be used for people or metaphorically for things.
We respect every single person's opinion.
A casual, emphatic way to say 'every single one' or 'each and every one'. Often used when complaining or expressing surprise.
Every single one is too expensive.
2日ごとに新聞を読みます。
I read the newspaper every two days.
English 'every' with non-time nouns (every person, every book) is not expressed with 毎. Use patterns like どの〜も, すべての, or あらゆる instead. Saying 毎人 is incorrect.
Every person was kind.