Translation guide
The English phrase "every year" can be expressed in Japanese through adverbs, nouns, or set phrases. The most common and versatile option is 毎年 (まいとし/まいねん), which directly means "every year." Other expressions like 年々 (ねんねん) emphasize year-by-year change, while 例年 (れいねん) refers to an average or typical year. The choice depends on whether you are talking about a recurring event, a trend, or a comparison to other years.
To say that something happens each year, without exception or as a regular occurrence.
The most common and neutral way to say 'every year.' Can be read as まいとし or まいねん; both are widely used, with まいとし slightly more common in speech.
Every year, I go on a trip with my family.
This festival is held every year in August.
Used to describe something that happens almost every year, often with a nuance of frequency or inevitability.
He buys a new car almost every year.
Literally 'once per year.' Used when specifying the frequency of an event, often in schedules or formal contexts.
Please get a health checkup once a year.
To describe a gradual change or comparison from one year to the next.
Means 'year by year' or 'annually,' emphasizing a continuous trend or change over time. Often used with verbs like 増える (increase) or 減る (decrease).
The population of this town is decreasing every year.
Using 毎年 with a progressive verb form can also express an ongoing trend, but 年々 is more natural for emphasizing the incremental change.
Prices are rising every year.
To refer to what usually happens in a given year, or to compare a specific year to the norm.
Means 'average year' or 'usual year.' Used when talking about typical annual patterns, such as weather, events, or statistics.
This summer is hotter than usual (than an average year).
Means 'about the same as an average year.' Often used in weather forecasts or economic reports.
To describe something that is held or celebrated once a year.
A formal term meaning 'annual,' used in official names of events, reports, or meetings. Not used in casual conversation.
Please submit the annual report.
Means 'once-a-year' and is used as a modifier for special events or occasions.
I did the annual big cleaning.
毎年 simply states that something happens every year. 年々 emphasizes a gradual change over the years. 例年 refers to a typical or average year, often used for comparison. Choose based on whether you are describing a recurring event, a trend, or a norm.
English phrases like 'every single year' for emphasis do not have a direct equivalent. Instead, use 毎年必ず (まいとしかならず) or 毎年欠かさず (まいとしかかさず) to add emphasis, but these can sound strong. Often, 毎年 alone is sufficient.
Technology is advancing year by year.
As every year, the meeting is held in March.
This year's rice harvest is about average.