Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'every time' depends on whether you mean 'whenever something happens' or 'on each separate occasion.' The most common pattern uses 〜度に (tabi ni) or 〜ごとに (goto ni). For repeated actions, 〜時はいつも (toki wa itsumo) is also natural. Directly translating 'every time' as 毎回 (maikai) is possible but often sounds stiff in casual speech.
Expressing that something occurs each time a certain condition or event takes place.
Attach to the dictionary form of a verb or a noun + の. It means 'every time one does something' or 'whenever something happens.' Very common and natural.
Every time I see him, I hear a new story.
Every time I listen to this song, I remember my hometown.
Attach to a noun or the dictionary form of a verb. It emphasizes each individual occurrence or unit. Often interchangeable with 〜度に, but can sound slightly more systematic or regular.
He is late every time there is a meeting.
The team gets stronger every time they play a match.
Literally 'whenever ~, always.' Attach to the plain form of a verb or adjective. More conversational than 〜度に.
Every time it rains, I use this umbrella.
Means 'every time' or 'each time.' Often used as an adverb. Can sound a bit formal or emphatic in casual speech. Commonly used in written or formal contexts.
I make the same mistake every time.
Referring to each instance of a repeated event, not necessarily triggered by a condition.
Used as an adverb meaning 'every time' or 'each time.' Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese, though slightly formal.
Every time, he comes first.
Literally 'on that occasion' or 'each time that happens.' Refers back to a previously mentioned event. Very natural in conversation.
Emphasizing that something happens without exception.
Means 'without fail' or 'always.' Used to stress that something happens every single time. Can be combined with 〜度に or 〜時.
He is late every single time without fail.
Means 'always.' When combined with a conditional clause, it emphasizes the repetitive nature. Less formal than 必ず.
Both mean 'every time,' but 〜度に focuses on the occasion or event, while 〜ごとに emphasizes each individual unit or repetition. 〜ごとに can also mean 'every (interval)' like 1時間ごとに (every hour). In many cases they are interchangeable, but 〜度に is more common for personal experiences.
Directly translating 'every time' as 毎回 in casual conversation can sound unnatural. Use 〜度に or 〜時はいつも for a more natural flow.
Every time I go to Japan, I visit Kyoto.
She cries every time she watches that movie.
He was late. And every time, he made an excuse.
Every time I see her, I feel happy.